New memorial medal announced

Kyt · Jul 1, 2009

Grieving Forces' families to get new Elizabeth Cross military award - Times Online

The families of thousands of Armed Forces personnel who have been killed on operations or died as a result of a terrorist attack since the Second World War are to receive a new military award.

Around 8,000 families will be eligible for a special silver Elizabeth Cross emblem and a memorial scroll signed by the Queen.

The decision to honour the next of kin of servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as previous wars including Korea, Malaysia, Kenya, the Falklands and Northern Ireland, was in recognition of the “lifetime grief” they had to endure, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said today.

In a broadcast to the Armed Forces on British Forces Radio (BFBS), which was recorded from Windsor Castle, the Queen said: “This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all.”

“The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character,” she said.

It will be the first time that the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI, although it was emphasised that the Elizabeth Cross is not a medal but an emblem.

With deaths rising in Afghanistan, the Government has been under pressure to offer a special gesture to the families to honour the sacrifices which they have had to make.

Last year it was announced that the families would be presented with a memorial scroll, following a tradition that was honoured in both world wars and the Korean war. But after a long discussion between the service chiefs and Buckingham Palace it was decided that an additional honour was appropriate.

The emblem has a laurel wreath passing between the arms of the cross while the arms themselves bear floral symbols representing England (rose), Scotland (thistle), Ireland (shamrock) and Wales (daffodil).

The reverse of the cross bears the crowned cypher of the Queen which will also hold the engraved name of the deceased. Each family will be given one Elizabeth Cross which can be worn on any occasion and an additional pin-on miniature version. Both will be presented in a black leather box with the royal cypher on the lid and the royal coat of arms on the inner silk lining.

Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said the families could choose whether to be presented with the Elizabeth Cross at a formal ceremony attended by the Lord Lieutenant of their county, acting on behalf of the Queen, or privately.

Those eligible will include the families of service personnel killed in the Korean war of the 1950s, although they already have the memorial scroll.

Although the focus of today’s announcement is on families of service personnel killed on operations or by terrorists, there is to be another category to cover members of the Armed Forces who die in circumstances which are not classed as official campaigns. This will allow for next of kin of special forces troops involved in secret missions overseas to apply for the Elizabeth Cross. The families of Gurkhas will also be eligible.

The memorial scroll will be on parchment-style paper, headed with the royal coat of arms and with the following words: “This Scroll Commemorates (name inserted) who gave his/her life for Queen and Country.”

The words were chosen by Sir Andrew Motion, the former Poet Laureate. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said he and the three service chiefs had decided that it was most appropriate to choose words that were simple and dignified and the former Poet Laureate’s selection was judged to be the best.

Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said: “I know that the families of those who have given their lives will wear the Memorial Cross with immense pride.

“It is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid while safeguarding our security and freedom, it is also a lasting symbol of the nation’s recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice.”

Bob Ainsworth, the Defence Secretary, said: “We owe so much to those who have died to protect our country and our way of life. The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind.”

In her broadcast to the Services, the Queen said she had personally asked for the emblem to be known as the Elizabeth Cross. “I am pleased to be associated with such an initiative which is in keeping with a tradition during the First World War,” she said.

The memorial scrolls presented in the world wars and Korea became known as the “dead man’s penny”.

The Elizabeth Cross and scroll will be given to both regular Armed Forces personnel and reservists, and also to members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary when deployed in direct support of a designated operation.

Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said consideration had been given to presenting a special medal to those injured on operations. But after wide consultation within the Forces, he said there had been no enthusiasm for such an award. Also rejected was the idea of adding a special clasp to the Afghanistan campaign medal awarded for those fighting in Helmand.

The MoD will trace next of kin of those killed as far back as 2000, but families of those killed in earlier campaigns will have to apply, using the MoD website or by phone on 0800 085 3600.

The first Elizabeth Crosses and memorial scrolls will be granted from August 1.
Click to expand...

And looks identical to the Cnadian Memorial Cross

ODM of Canada: Memorial Cross

Kyt · Jul 1, 2009

Ministry of Defence | Defence For... | Veterans | Medals | The Elizabeth Cross â€“ Died On Operations Recognition Award

liverpool annie · Jul 1, 2009

I had seen that and was going to post .... about time too I say !

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | History and Honour | Elizabeth Cross honours families of fallen troops

Antipodean Andy · Jul 2, 2009

A beautiful looking item (for want of a better word) and some recognition for the families. Am a bit bemused by the MoD stretching themselves as far back as 2000.

DFC · Jul 2, 2009

Yes it is, about time ,Pity that a bit more thought did not go into the design as KYT said looks like Canadian ww1/ww2 cross and nz one still does look very nice
AJ

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New memorial medal announced

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