VICTORIA CROSS

a decoration instituted in 1856 and conferred on officers and men of all ranks of the Brit. army and navy for personal bravery. It consists of a bronze Maltese cro 114 in. in diameter, with the royal crown surmounted by a lion in the center, and beneath, the inscription ‘For Valour.’ <A special pension of $50 a year is granted to every soldier who receives the Victoria Cro , with an additional $25 for every bar (added for additional bravery such as would have entitled the recipient to the V.C. if he had not already reccived it). In the event of an annuitant being unable to gain a livelihood, the amount may 4ncreased to $250. In 1911 the right to receive the V.C. was extended to native soldiers in the Ind. Army. In 1920 a royal warrant was pub. ordaining that among those eligible for the decoration shall be matrons, sisters, nurses, and the staff of the nursing services ‘and other services pertaining to hospitals and nursing, and civilians of either sex regularly or temporarily _under the orders, direction, or supervision of the | naval, military, and air forces of the empire. Up till 1913 the distinction had been gained by 552 officers and men. During the course of tne World War 633 V.C.’s were awarded, and two V.O. bars for special services in the field.