The British (Imperial) Distinguished Flying Cross

The British (Imperial) Distinguished Flying Cross

This silver cross is awarded to officers and Warrant Officers for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. A straight silver bar with an eagle in the centre is awarded for a further act or acts. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse. The award was established on the birthday of King George V, June 3, 1918. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal.

Established for officers and warrant officers of the RAF in respect of acts of valour while flying in active operations against the enemy. 

Bars

A straight silver bar is awarded for a further act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. The slip-on bar has an eagle in the centre. 

Description 

A cross flory, 2.125 inches wide, with bars terminated with a rose. 

Obverse

A cross flory terminating with a rose, surmounted by another cross made of propeller blades charged in the centre with a roundel within a laurel wreath. The horizontal arms bear wings and the crowned RAF monogram at the centre. 

Reverse

In the central circle the Royal Cypher (GV, GVI, EIIR) appears above the date 1918. The year of issue is engraved on the lower arm. 

Mounting

The straight bar has two sprigs of laurel at the bottom which form a slot for a king ring to attach it to the small ring at the top of the medal. 

Ribbon

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternating deep purple and white stripes (0.125 wide) leaning to the left at 45 degrees from the vertical. The deep purple colour is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest.  Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal. 

Dates

The award was established on 03 June 1918, the birthday of King George V. 

Metal

Silver 

Dimensions

Height 60mm; Max Width 54mm

 

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