The following are Orders and Decorations, a complete listing of which may be seen here.
Originally designated the Conspicuous Service Cross (1901-1914), the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to naval personnel, from Warrant Officer to Lieutenant, for the performance of meritorious or distinguished services before the enemy. In 1939, Commanders and Lieutenant-Commanders were also made eligible for the DSC. Members of the air force or army serving with the fleet were also eligible.
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Military Cross (MC)
The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below (therefore acting and temporary Majors are eligible) or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, the terms were altered to clearly state the award was for gallant and distinguished services in action and that naval and air force officers could be awarded the cross for gallant and distinguished services on the ground.
The cross is awarded to officers and Warrant Officers for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. The slip-on bar has an eagle in the centre. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse.
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Air Force Cross (AFC)
The cross is awarded to an officer or a Warrant Officer for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, but not while in active operations against an enemy.
The DCM was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, serving in any of the sovereign's military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. It was thus the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria Cross) for all army ranks below commissioned officers and was available to navy and air force personnel also for distinguished conduct in the field.
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Military Medal (MM)
The medal is awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field.
The award was made to non-commissioned officers and men for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy
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Air Force Medal (AFM)
The Air Force Medal is awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy.
This medal replaced the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (1917-1922) and had a military and a civil division. The medal was awarded for meritorious service which warranted such a mark of royal appreciation.
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Information on Campaign Stars and Medals (1939 - 1945) click here.
