Recognition for families of the Armed Forces

This award was created in 2009. It recognises the families of Armed Forces personnel who died on operations. It also includes those who died as a result of an act of terrorism.

This was the first time the name of a reigning monarch had been given to a new award since the George Cross. It was awarded by the late Queen’s father, King George VI. The George Cross was given for acts of bravery by both civilians and the military.

Prior to this, the Victoria Cross was brought in by Queen Victoria in 1856. This was for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.

Background

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll are granted to the next of kin of UK Armed Forces personnel who died on medal-earning operations. They're also given to those who died as a result of an act of terrorism. It's given in recognition of their loss and sacrifice.

The death of any service person is a tragic loss to his or her family and to the Armed Forces. The Elizabeth Cross was created to recognise the unique challenges that service personnel face on operations and from terrorism.  It focuses on the heavy burden this places on service families.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll will not just be granted to families who lost loved ones in more recent operations. It will also be to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948. This includes the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.