The George Cross (G.C.)

Founded by King George VI at the height of the bombings of the United Kingdom in 1940. It is the highest award that can be bestowed for acts of gallantry performed by men and women when not in the face of the enemy. Sadly, as with the Victoria Cross, these awards are often made posthumously.

In April 1942, George VI honoured the people of Malta by awarding them the George Cross in recognition of the gallantry they displayed during the bombardment of their islands between 1940 and 1943.

Mrs. Odette Sansom (later Churchill, now Hallowes) received the George Cross for showing great courage while working, and during capture, in enemy-occupied France.

More recently Captain Nairac of the Grenadier Guards and Warrant Officer Barry Johnson of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps were awarded the George Cross for showing great courage while serving in Northern Ireland.