Distinguished Service Cross



Originally designated the Conspicuous Service Cross (1901-1914), this award was in October 1914 renamed the Distinguished Service Cross and 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 this award. Members of the Air Force or Army serving with the Fleet were also eligible.



Bars were awarded for the performance of subsequent acts of service before the enemy. The slip-on bar is silver, with a crown in the centre. Bars for second awards were authorised in 1916 and in 1931 eligibility for the award was enlarged to include officers of the Merchant Navy. In 1940 Army and RAF officers serving abroad naval vessels also became eligible for the award and since 1945 fewer than 100 DSC?s have been awarded.



The silver coloured award, which has a height of 44 mm. and a maximum width of 35 mm., has the shape of a cross and on the obverse the Royal Cypher ?GRI?, surmounted by a crown. The reverse of the award is plain apart from the hallmark, with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm. The ribbon is 34.9 mm wide and consists of three equal vertical stripes, navy blue, white and navy blue.



A total of 199 DSC?s have gone to Canadians, with 34 first and 5 second Bars.