The Victoria Cross
Awarded for "the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." Highest award. All ranks.
Distinguished Service Order
Instituted in 1886. Awarded to senior officers for "distinguished services under fire or under conditions equivalent to service in actual combat with the enemy". Often awarded for distinction in command or service.
The Military Cross
The principal army officers' award, established during World War I for junior officers, as there was no decoration for them for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Awarded to members of the Australian Flying Corps who came under Army control and to junior officers in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Established 1854. Awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Army for "distinguished conduct in action in the field."
Military Medal
Most common award. Instituted March 1916 and awarded retrospectively for gallantry and devotion to duty performed by non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Army. In June 1916 it was extended to women of all nationalities for "bravery and devotion under fire".
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Formerly named the Conspicuous Service Cross, it was renamed the Distinguished Service Cross in October 1914. Awarded to naval officers (commissioned and warrant) below the rank of Lieutenant Commander for gallantry during active operations against the enemy.
The Distinguished Flying Cross
Established June 1918 as the principal officers' flying gallantry decoration. Awarded for acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy
The Air Force Cross
Established in 1918. Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in flying which was not in active operations against the enemy.
The Air Force Medal
Established 1918. Awarded to non-commissioned officers and men of the Air Force for "an act of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy".
The Albert Medal
Instituted 1866. Awarded for exceptional acts of gallantry in saving life on land or sea. Only three Albert Medals were awarded to members of the Australian Army during World War 1.
The Meritorious Service Medal
Instituted 1916. Awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men who had rendered valuable and meritorious service, and could be awarded for gallantry in the performance of military duty. All services.
The Royal Red Cross
Instituted 1883. The First Class - Royal Red Cross was awarded to fully-trained nurses who were part of the officially recognised nursing services. Awarded for exceptional devotion or competency in nursing duties in the field or military hospitals over a long or continuous period or for an exceptional act of bravery or devotion to duty.
Source: Maton volumes listed above.
King George V inspects Australian troops, probably on Salisbury Plain, England,
The War pictorial, June 1917, page 2
Other awards
Mentioned in Despatches
Not a decoration in itself, an "MiD" was commendable action which rated a "mention" in a Commander-in-Chief's military despatch. A certificate was awarded, and an emblem of bronze oak leaves was worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal.
Victory Medal
The Inter-Allied Victory Medal was instituted in March 1919.
Awarded to those who had served in the armed forces, to civilians contracted to the armed services and to those who served in military hospitals on battlefronts during wartime.
The 1914 Star
This campaign medal was awarded to those who served with either the British or Indian Expeditionary Force in France or Belgium between the outbreak of war in August 1914 and 22-23 November 1914.
