Instituted
in 1866 and named after Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, who had died in
1861. Until the institution of the George Cross in 1940 it was Britain’s premier
decoration for civilian acts of gallantry in saving life at sea and on land. It
became known as ‘the civilian’s Victoria Cross’, although awards were also made
to servicemen in non-combatant situations. There were two classes: the First
Class in gold, and the Second Class in bronze. The medal was awarded only for
the most exceptional bravery, and consequently was very sparingly given. The
medal was terminated in 1971.