The Victoria Cross was established in 1856, during the Crimean War. The VC is the most highly coveted and highly valued decoration which a British serviceman might be awarded for a performing a single act of valor and devotion to their country in the presence of an enemy. Bars were awarded for subsequent acts of valor. Until 1942, VC medallions were made from the bronze of cannons captured in the Crimean War.



The escalation of the First World War after the deadlock of 1914 led the British military to recognize the need for a more definitive hierarchy of awards for gallantry in action.