

While there is no solid proof of this, the story is taken to be true. The British Victoria Cross is reputed to have been manufactured with bronze from Russian cannons captured at Sevastopol (formerly known as Sebastopol) during the Crimean War of 1853-1856. Some of the mystique of the original Victoria Cross is linked to the metal used to make it. The fleur-de-lis accompanies the traditional rose, thistle and shamrock, thereby making a link with the floral elements found in the Royal Arms of Canada.Īs per tradition, the service number, rank, initials, name and unit of the recipient will be engraved on the reverse of the suspension bar, while the date of the action will be engraved on the reverse of the Cross itself. That is the fleur-de-lis at either end of the scroll bearing the motto. There was one small addition to the detailed technical drawings that was not apparent in the 1992 painting. Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority, prepared the technical drawings used for the manufacture of the Cross. Her Majesty apposed her signature to signify her approval. Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty, CM, SOM, CD (Retired) painted the Canadian design in 1992.
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Only the motto on the obverse has been changed from “For Valour” to the Latin “ Pro Valore”. The design of the new cross is identical to the original award. Both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert also took a personal interest in the design and manufacture of the VC. Henry Armstead of the London jewelers firm of Hancocks & Co was the sole manufacturer of the British VC, and it might be behind the concept. It is not possible to ascertain who designed the original VC. Original artwork held by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. DesignĪrtwork produced by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin providing details of the new insignia. It made recommendations that were eventually approved by the Government of Canada, and supervised the manufacturing process. This Group was first chaired by Mary de Bellefeuille Percy of the Chancellery and later by André M.

A total of 1,353 crosses and 3 bars were awarded throughout the British Empire so far. The original Victoria Cross was awarded to 81 Canadian military members.

Queen Victoria created the original on January 29, 1856, and awarded it to Canadians during several conflicts up to the end of the Second World War. Canadian Victoria Cross and British Victoria Cross.įor Canadians, the Canadian Victoria Cross has replaced the original British Victoria Cross.
