1-153-471 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Victoria Cross, British award for gallantry, 1857. The Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 for all ranks of the British army and navy. It was first conferred by Queen Victoria on 62 men in June 1857. The decoration was a Maltese cross made from Russian cannon captured at Sevastopol in the Crimean War, with a red ribbon for the army, and a blue ribbon when awarded to naval servicemen. From The Illustrated London News, June 1857, showing some of the first army awards.