History
This is the Military Cross of the reign of King George VI, from 1936 to 1952: the issue of the Second World War, worn by the officers of the Australian divisions in North Africa, Greece and Crete, the islands of the Pacific and the campaigns of New Guinea and Borneo. It was in this reign, from 1938, that the year of award began to be engraved on the lower limb of the cross, giving these issues a dating the earlier ones lack.
The King's title changed during the reign, and the coinage and cyphers followed: awards to 1948 reflect the imperial style, and those from 1949 the revised royal style after the independence of India. The design, ribbon and criteria remain those of the Military Cross described on the main page. As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Cross is the standard silver Military Cross bearing at its centre the royal cypher of King George VI. From 1938 the year of award was engraved on the lower limb of the cross; the reverse is otherwise plain.
The ribbon
White, purple and white in three equal stripes.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, of three equal vertical stripes of white, purple and white.
Clasps
Further acts of gallantry meriting the Cross are recognised by a bar rather than a second cross.
Bar (further award)
A bar is awarded for a further act of gallantry meriting the Cross, worn on the ribbon; when the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes each bar.
Eligibility
The George VI issue was awarded on the criteria of the Military Cross: an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.
- It was awarded to officers of the rank of captain or below and to warrant officers during the reign of King George VI, from 1936 to 1952;
- A bar denotes a further award, with a silver rosette worn on the ribbon when the ribbon alone is worn;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters MC. As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Imperial awards were the honours of Australia before the Australian honours system was established in 1975, and they retain their place in the Order of Wearing. They are worn after the Australian honours of their kind and among the Imperial awards in the order set by the Australian Order of Wearing, which follows the British order of precedence.
Frequently asked questions
What makes this the George VI issue?
The royal cypher of King George VI at the centre of the cross, current through his reign from 1936 to 1952.
Which era does it belong to?
The Second World War and its immediate aftermath, worn by the officers of the Australian divisions across every theatre.
Are these issues dated?
Yes. From 1938 the year of award was engraved on the lower limb of the cross, so George VI issues can often be dated directly.
Why do the inscriptions differ within the reign?
The King's royal style changed after the independence of India: awards to 1948 use the earlier imperial style, those from 1949 the revised style.
How is it different from the George V and Elizabeth II issues?
Only in the sovereign's cypher; the design, ribbon and criteria are common to all Military Crosses.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes, the letters MC.