The Distinguished Service Cross -Gallantry at Sea

The Distinguished Service Cross is part of the trinity of 'location based' gallantry medals just below the Victoria Cross and theConspicuous Gallantry Cross in the honours hierarchy. It can be awarded to all ranks and all services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea. Its sister medals are the Military Cross (for exemplary gallantry on land) and the Distinguished Flying Cross (for exemplary gallantry in the air).

Its history

The Distinguished Service Cross was instituted in 1901but under a different name -the Conspicuous Service Cross. It was to befor gallantry in presence of the enemy to warrant and subordinate officers of the Royal Navy who were ineligible due to their junior rank for the Distinguished Service Order.

In1914, it wasgiven its current title,the Distinguished Service Cross, and became available to junior naval officers below the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Twenty six years later in 1940, In 1940, it also became available to Army and RAF officers serving aboard navy vessels.

But what about other naval ranks you ask. Well, the equivalent award for the other ranks for gallantry at sea in presence of the enemy was the Distinguished Service Medal.

In 1993 a review of the honours system was made by the British military and government. One of the key outcomes of this was the removal of rank distinctions for gallantry awards. In light of this, theDistinguished Service Medal was discontinued and the Distinguished Service Cross became available to all ranks of all services for exemplary gallantry at sea in presence of the enemy.