Ahead of Remembrance Day, the Australian War Memorial's experts take a look back at the origins of the Victoria Cross. (*See video)
The Australian War Memorial holds 75 of the 102 Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians, making it one of the largest collections of Victoria Crosses in the world.
Director of the Australian War Memorial, Mr Matt Anderson said: "As Australia pauses to mark Remembrance Day and the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War, we are reminded that more than half of the Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians were earned during the First World War. Nine Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions on Gallipoli."
"The Victoria Cross was created to be within reach of every member of British and Commonwealth forces, regardless of rank, duty, or service area."
The first Australian to receive a Victoria Cross was Captain Neville House of the NSW Medical Staff Corps on 24 July 1900, for rescuing a wounded man under heavy fire during the Boer War in South Africa.
Australians have received 102 Victoria Crosses, including one announced last year on Remembrance Day to the late Richard Nordern VC for gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.
"The Victoria Cross, which ranks next to the George Cross, is considered the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on an individual for valour in the face of an enemy," Mr Anderson said.
"We are honoured that we can display these medals for the public and help them gain a deeper understanding of these extraordinary individuals and their stories."
The 'most expensive bronze in the world'
Australian War Memorial Curator Cameron Ross said: "What makes the Victoria Cross so significant is that it is only awarded for the most outstanding acts of bravery."
"It is widely believed that the original metal came from a Russian gun captured during the Crimean War in the mid-1800s."
"Every Victoria Cross ever made has been manufactured by the same jewelers: Hancock's and Co of London."
Since December 1914, the medals have been made using bronze from guns of Chinese origin.
Australia introduced its own version of the Victoria Cross in 1991. The design and medal are the same as the United Kingdom's, except that it is announced in the Australian Government Gazette instead of the London Gazette.
"Only six people have ever received the Victoria Cross for Australia with the latest, Richard Nordern VC, announced at The Australian War Memorial on Remembrance Day last year," Mr Anderson said.
How the Victoria Cross is awarded
The Victoria Cross is awarded by the Monarch, for a specific act, on the recommendation of the government for the most "conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy."
The King confers the honour, but the Australian Government and Governor-General make the recommendation and ensure the medal remains both a royal and national symbol of ultimate bravery.
FACT BOX:
- Nominations are considered through the Australian Defence Force honours system and reviewed by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal.
- The Governor-General, as the King's representative, formally approves the award on behalf of the Sovereign.
- The final decision is then endorsed by the King
- Before 1991, Australians received the Imperial Victoria Cross, which was approved by the British monarch on advice from British military authorities, often supported by recommendations from Australian commanders in the field.
