Distinguished Flying Cross



The DFC was established on 3 June 1918, the birthday of King George V, and is awarded to Officers and Warrant officers for on act of valour and courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemey. A straight silver bar is a further enhancement of the DFC, awarded for additional acts under the same terms as the cross.



The award has the shape of a silver cross. On the obverse aeroplane propellers are superimposed upon the vertical arms of the cross. Within a central winged roundel which is encircled by a wreath of laurels and surmounted by a Imperial Crown, appear the letters RAF. In the central circle on the reverse the Royal Cyphers, GV, GVI, EIIR, appears above the date. The year of issue is engraved on the lower arm of the award. The DFC is issued unnamed.



The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternating violet and white stripes, each 0.125 inches wide, leaning at 45 degrees from the vertical.



Total issued during World War II :

4.018 awards a Distinguished Flying Cross.

214 awards a bar.

5 awards a second bar.