Is the George Cross only awarded to civilians or is it a military medal also?

TabbyTom

According to Whitaker’s Almanack: ”The George Cross is intended primarily for civilians; awards to the fighting services are confined to actions for which purely military honours are not normally granted.” The list of surviving recipients (as at 31 August 2001) includes a colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, a WO1, a lieutenant-commander, an air marshal and an air vice-marshal. Aug 30 04, 8:17 AM

jonimacaroni

The George Cross was also awarded to Malta, as a nation, for the valiant part the island played in WWII. The image of the medal appears on the Maltese flag. Aug 30 04, 10:34 AM

RickF

The GEORGE CROSS was instituted in September 1940 to recognise civilian heroism at the height of the Blitz by King George VI. To date, there have been 401 awards of the George Cross including the latest to Trooper Chris Finney of the Blues & Royals for his outstanding bravery in a 'friendly fire' incident in Iraq. There have been two collective awards, to the Island of Malta in April 1942 and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in November 1999. Aug 31 04, 12:01 AM

mibmob

Thanks RickF. The full story of Trooper Chris Finney plus citation is here: http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/finney_gc.htm Aug 31 04, 7:11 AM