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    Major military awards of World War 1: VC to MiD

    During World War I, existing medals for bravery extended to reflect the changing nature of conflict, as well as new medals instituted. We’ve created an overview of the major medals for gallantry or meritorious service, including individual stories behind the acts of valour and devotion to duty that achieved them.

WW1 Medals

Victoria Cross

Victoria Cross (VC)

Victoria Cross (VC) The highest military decoration, awarded for valour and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy to members of the arm… Read more
distinguished service order

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actu… Read more
distinguished service cross

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) Awarded for meritorious or distinguished service before the enemy ‘by men of His Majesty’s Fleet’. Since 1916,… Read more
military cross

Military Cross (MC)

Military Cross (MC)   Awarded for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land, to captains or offic… Read more
distinguished flying cross

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Awarded for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying in active operations against th… Read more
air force medal

Air Force Medal (AFM)

Air Force Medal (AFM) Awarded to non-commissioned officers for acts of courage or devotion to duty when flying, though not in active operations, aga… Read more
mentioned in despatches

Mentioned in Despatches (MiD)

Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) British commanders-in-chief of a theatre of war or campaign were obliged to report their activities and achievements t… Read more
distinguished flying medal

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)   Awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying… Read more
military medal

Military Medal (MM)

Military Medal (MM)   Awarded to personnel of the British Army, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commission… Read more
distinguished service medal

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)     Awarded to members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and formerly also to personnel of other Commo… Read more
distinguished conduct medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Awarded for gallantry in the field, a distinguished award for bravery for NCOs and soldiers of the British Ar… Read more
air force cross

Air Force Cross (AFC)

Air Force Cross (AFC)   Awarded for acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty when flying by officers and warrant officers, but not in active… Read more