George Cross?
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It might be worth noting that an association was formed specifically for VC and GC holders. One association with no distinction, one from the other.
Yet, equally interesting to note is that the VC seems to have preference.
Yet, equally interesting to note is that the VC seems to have preference.
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By one of those spooky quirks of coincidence, there is a documentry about the history of the Victoria Cross, BBC2 9 pm, Tuesday, fronted by Jeremy (you either love him or hate him) Clarkson.
Me, I just likes the guy,
Me, I just likes the guy,
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As an example of a George Cross (Posthumous) holder:
26 th March 1950
Aircraftsman Gillett, a fitter armourer, was a member of the groundcrew on board a Sunderland flying boat which blew up at its moorings at the RAF flying boat base Seletar on 26th March 1950. Rescue craft were quickly on the scene but the aircraft and a bomb scow alongside sank rapidly and survivors from the explosion were hurled into the water. A lifebelt was thrown to Aircraftsman Gillett from a rescue launch but he was seen to throw the lifebelt to a severely injured Corporal who was in danger of drowning near him. In the confusion, the rescuers had not been able to reach the Corporal. Gillett was a great friend of his and knew he was not a strong swimmer. The lifebelt kept the Corporal afloat until he was rescued unconscious from the water several minutes later. In the meantime, Aircraftsman Gillett disappeared and his body was washed ashore two days later. It was discovered that his body had suffered terrible superficial injuries and his death was due to the combined effects of blast and drowning. By his action in deliberately saving the life of his friend , whilst injured and in great danger himself, Aircraftsman Gillett displayed magnificent courage, extreme unselfishness in his last living moments which resulted in the sacrifice of his life to save another was seen in this act of great heroism which was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.
26 th March 1950
Aircraftsman Gillett, a fitter armourer, was a member of the groundcrew on board a Sunderland flying boat which blew up at its moorings at the RAF flying boat base Seletar on 26th March 1950. Rescue craft were quickly on the scene but the aircraft and a bomb scow alongside sank rapidly and survivors from the explosion were hurled into the water. A lifebelt was thrown to Aircraftsman Gillett from a rescue launch but he was seen to throw the lifebelt to a severely injured Corporal who was in danger of drowning near him. In the confusion, the rescuers had not been able to reach the Corporal. Gillett was a great friend of his and knew he was not a strong swimmer. The lifebelt kept the Corporal afloat until he was rescued unconscious from the water several minutes later. In the meantime, Aircraftsman Gillett disappeared and his body was washed ashore two days later. It was discovered that his body had suffered terrible superficial injuries and his death was due to the combined effects of blast and drowning. By his action in deliberately saving the life of his friend , whilst injured and in great danger himself, Aircraftsman Gillett displayed magnificent courage, extreme unselfishness in his last living moments which resulted in the sacrifice of his life to save another was seen in this act of great heroism which was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.
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Recent civilian awards and history of the GC are at http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/gc_holders.htm
RAF awarded the GC during the Second War http://www.alliedairforcesmonument.org/GCawards.htm
RAF awarded the GC during the Second War http://www.alliedairforcesmonument.org/GCawards.htm
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I for one would be more than happy to salute this youngster for what he did, but can't guarantee to recognise the GC ribbon. The VC on the other hand would have me instantly snapping to attention. Why do we (the Brits) find it hard to award "serious" gongs when they are obviously due (without wishing to demean in any way the value of the GC which is a serious gong in its own right).
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In terms of collective awards, the GC was awarded to an entire island - Malta.
'With the coming of World War Two, it was inevitable that Malta would immediately find itself in the firing line. Less than 24 hours after Italy entered the war in June 1940, the first air-raids by the Italian Air Force occurred. Malta's position enabled her to strike at the Axis forces in the Mediterrenerean, disrupting their operations in North Africa and elsewhere. The ship repairing facilities were invaluable for the British Fleet.
Malta had to be defended but the early months saw much damage as the islands' air defences, initially composed of three Gloster Gladiator biplanes which the locals immediately christened Faith, Hope and Charity, were brought up to scratch with the inclusion of Hurricane and Spitfire fighters.
The air attacks increased. The Luftwaffe joined in. Over 1941 and 1942, 3000 raids occurred. The towns surrounding the industrial areas around the harbours took a fearful pounding, and much of the population was evacuated to the centre of the island. Thousands of the inhabitants and British defenders were killed and maimed. Malta was the most heavily bombed place on earth - proportionately more bombs fell than on the English industrial town of Coventry.
And as the convoys carrying precious supplies were attacked and sunk, the islands suffered the pangs of hunger and disease. By August 1942, the situation was desperate. The arrival of the battered remains of a convoy on the 15th of August was, as in a previous siege, ascribed by the inhabitants to a miracle interceded by the Virgin, on whose Feast of the Assumption it occurred.
Despite all the suffering, the inhabitants and the garrison held out. Once again, the eyes of the world were on Malta's struggle against a superior enemy. Once again, the tide turned in Malta'a favour. But not before King George VI made a gesture unique in history. On the 15th April, 1942 he awarded the George Cross to the Maltese Nation, an honour still proudly borne by the Maltese on their flag.
The scroll accompanying the medal reads "To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history "'
'With the coming of World War Two, it was inevitable that Malta would immediately find itself in the firing line. Less than 24 hours after Italy entered the war in June 1940, the first air-raids by the Italian Air Force occurred. Malta's position enabled her to strike at the Axis forces in the Mediterrenerean, disrupting their operations in North Africa and elsewhere. The ship repairing facilities were invaluable for the British Fleet.
Malta had to be defended but the early months saw much damage as the islands' air defences, initially composed of three Gloster Gladiator biplanes which the locals immediately christened Faith, Hope and Charity, were brought up to scratch with the inclusion of Hurricane and Spitfire fighters.
The air attacks increased. The Luftwaffe joined in. Over 1941 and 1942, 3000 raids occurred. The towns surrounding the industrial areas around the harbours took a fearful pounding, and much of the population was evacuated to the centre of the island. Thousands of the inhabitants and British defenders were killed and maimed. Malta was the most heavily bombed place on earth - proportionately more bombs fell than on the English industrial town of Coventry.
And as the convoys carrying precious supplies were attacked and sunk, the islands suffered the pangs of hunger and disease. By August 1942, the situation was desperate. The arrival of the battered remains of a convoy on the 15th of August was, as in a previous siege, ascribed by the inhabitants to a miracle interceded by the Virgin, on whose Feast of the Assumption it occurred.
Despite all the suffering, the inhabitants and the garrison held out. Once again, the eyes of the world were on Malta's struggle against a superior enemy. Once again, the tide turned in Malta'a favour. But not before King George VI made a gesture unique in history. On the 15th April, 1942 he awarded the George Cross to the Maltese Nation, an honour still proudly borne by the Maltese on their flag.
The scroll accompanying the medal reads "To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history "'
From the official citation,
Seems like the chap deserves the purple ribbon to me.
He then climbed onto the fiercely burning vehicle, at the same time placing himself at risk from enemy fire
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Face of enemy?
But what about this bloke:
On 8 September 1917 near Hill 60, Zwarteleen, Belgium, when excavating a trench, Sergeant Carmichael saw that a grenade had been unearthed and had started to burn. He immediately rushed to the spot shouting to his men to get clear, put his steel helmet over the grenade and then stood on the helmet. The grenade exploded and blew him out of the trench. He could have thrown the bomb out of the trench but realised that by doing so he would have endangered the lives of the men working on top. He was seriously injured.
Details:
http://www.chapter-one.com/vc/award.asp?vc=185
And he got the VC, even though although this was incredibly brave it doesn't seem to have involved the enemy. Mind you, doesn't say whether it was a Brit or German grenade...
On 8 September 1917 near Hill 60, Zwarteleen, Belgium, when excavating a trench, Sergeant Carmichael saw that a grenade had been unearthed and had started to burn. He immediately rushed to the spot shouting to his men to get clear, put his steel helmet over the grenade and then stood on the helmet. The grenade exploded and blew him out of the trench. He could have thrown the bomb out of the trench but realised that by doing so he would have endangered the lives of the men working on top. He was seriously injured.
Details:
http://www.chapter-one.com/vc/award.asp?vc=185
And he got the VC, even though although this was incredibly brave it doesn't seem to have involved the enemy. Mind you, doesn't say whether it was a Brit or German grenade...
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interesting fact:
the most VCs awarded in a single battle/engagement were awarded at the battle for rourkes drift, 1879. no less than 11 VCs were awarded in one day. and we won.
however only 3 were awarded at the battle of islhandwana (?) earlier the same day. probably due to a lack of citations been written due to the fact that they got slaughtered!
front rank, FIRE!!
no doubt, all deserved and fearless men to the last.
do 'friendly' bullets not hurt as much?
isitd
the most VCs awarded in a single battle/engagement were awarded at the battle for rourkes drift, 1879. no less than 11 VCs were awarded in one day. and we won.
however only 3 were awarded at the battle of islhandwana (?) earlier the same day. probably due to a lack of citations been written due to the fact that they got slaughtered!
front rank, FIRE!!
no doubt, all deserved and fearless men to the last.
do 'friendly' bullets not hurt as much?
isitd
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Wasn't there a rumour that some of the chaps involved in that battle for the cave complex in Aghanistan, should have been given the VC?,
Gongs do seem to a lot more difficult to come by, perhaps only politicaly correct acts of heroism are concidered now.
Gongs do seem to a lot more difficult to come by, perhaps only politicaly correct acts of heroism are concidered now.
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Jeremy Clarkson
Mr Clarkson wrote an article in the Sunday Times commenting on/publicising his forthcoming programme. The point he makes is that there seems to be an unwritten rule recently dictating that VCs will only be awarded posthumously.
Interesting angle
Interesting angle
ISITD,
..Er, no - H was shot from an Argentine trench that was behind his right shoulder. Save up enough brownie points and you can go on one of HMs Battlefield Tours to see for yourself one day - the spot where he dropped is marked, as is the MG position.
..Er, no - H was shot from an Argentine trench that was behind his right shoulder. Save up enough brownie points and you can go on one of HMs Battlefield Tours to see for yourself one day - the spot where he dropped is marked, as is the MG position.
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Escapee
The Air Force Cross (AFC) is awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for an act of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying but not engaged in active operations against an enemy and should not be undermined to its value. I have received information today of one such deed in 1953.
I shall remember those other heroes on Sunday at 1100hrs who never returned to tell their stories.
Lest we forget.......................
The Air Force Cross (AFC) is awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for an act of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying but not engaged in active operations against an enemy and should not be undermined to its value. I have received information today of one such deed in 1953.
I shall remember those other heroes on Sunday at 1100hrs who never returned to tell their stories.
Lest we forget.......................
Gentleman Aviator
Not just officers for AFCs (or DFCs) any more - political correctness a few years ago 1998-ish (???) saw to it that all ranks have got "Crosses" rather than "Medals".
Certainly some SAR sergeants have already have AFCs - and probably earned them a bit more than escapees' boss.
Certainly some SAR sergeants have already have AFCs - and probably earned them a bit more than escapees' boss.
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Does anyone know the correct “official” wording use, to distinguish between which decoration is awarded?
I only ask, as after seeing the wonderful programme by Mr Clarkson the other night, he did mention one incident where the pilot of a seaplane pressed home an attack on a U-boat.
The sub was sunk, however the aircraft was badly damaged, and a number of the crew, including the pilot were badly wounded.
The pilot then flew for some time prior to making a landing closer to friendly forces, thereby saving not only the crew and airframe, but also himself. – And in so doing, he was not awarded a VC, as the act was not selfless!
Yet I looked on a couple of web sites today reading some of the citations of VC winners, (real siring stuff), and quite a few of them appeared to be acts, although immensely brave, of self-preservation.
I will salute them all on Sunday morning.
I only ask, as after seeing the wonderful programme by Mr Clarkson the other night, he did mention one incident where the pilot of a seaplane pressed home an attack on a U-boat.
The sub was sunk, however the aircraft was badly damaged, and a number of the crew, including the pilot were badly wounded.
The pilot then flew for some time prior to making a landing closer to friendly forces, thereby saving not only the crew and airframe, but also himself. – And in so doing, he was not awarded a VC, as the act was not selfless!
Yet I looked on a couple of web sites today reading some of the citations of VC winners, (real siring stuff), and quite a few of them appeared to be acts, although immensely brave, of self-preservation.
I will salute them all on Sunday morning.