How To Tell The Difference Between The Victoria Cross And The George Cross

Victoria Cross (with blue 'Naval' ribbon) awarded during the First World War to Boy, 1st Class John Travers Cornwell for gallantry displayed as a sight setter for the cew of the 5.5-inch gun on the forecastle of the light cruiser HMS Chester during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916

• Created 29 January 1856
• Recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out under direct enemy fire
• First bravery medal that could be earned by anyone in the Army or the Navy
• The act which earns the award must be witnessed by several individuals
• Named after Queen Victoria, who personally chose the inscription
• Inscribed 'For Valour'
• Design shows a lion guarding the Royal Crown
• Design emphasises the personal link between the British monarch and recipients of the VC
• Hand-made, traditionally using bronze taken from a gun captured in the Crimean War
• Awarded to over 1,300 people since its creation
• Deliberately intended to have little actual value – its value lies in what it stands for and what people do to earn it