X-Nico

3 unusual facts about George Cross


Dove Holes railway station

In 1957, the gradient into Chapel-en-le-Frith was the scene of a serious accident, in which the driver of a runaway freight train, John Axon remained at his post and died, being awarded a posthumous George Cross.

Kajaki

It was announced in December 2006 that British Corporal Mark Wright would be posthumously awarded the George Cross for his actions after entering an unmarked minefield near Kajaki, in an attempt to save the lives of other injured soldiers.

Manaia, Taranaki

He was given a posthumous PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, at a special ceremony in Manaia in February 2009.


Albert Hemming

Albert Edward Heming (13 June 1910 – 3 January 1987) was awarded the George Cross for the heroism displayed on on 2 March 1945 in Parkers Row in Bermondsey, London when he dug a trapped priest from the ruins of a bombed Catholic Church.

Colin Grazier

Able Seaman Colin Grazier, GC was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the "outstanding bravery and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger" which he displayed on 30 October 1942 in action in the eastern Mediterranean when capturing codebooks vital for the breaking of the German naval "Shark" Enigma cipher from the sinking U-559.

Order of Saint Lucia

When worn in Saint Lucia the Order takes precedence over all other decorations except the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.

Order of St. Patrick

When an individual was entitled to use multiple post-nominal letters, KP appeared before all others, except "Bt" and "Btss" (Baronet and Baronetess), "VC" (Victoria Cross), "GC" (George Cross), "KG" (Knight of the Garter) and "KT" (Knight of the Thistle).

Richard W. Richards

Richard Richards was awarded the Albert Medal in 1923 for his efforts on the ice to save the lives of Spencer-Smith and Mackintosh, this award being converted in 1971 to the George Cross, an exchange offered to all Albert Medal holders then living.

Salma Yaqoob

At a Birmingham City Council meeting in early February 2011, Yaqoob and another Respect party councillor, Mohammed Ishtiaq, sat with their arms folded and refused to participate in a standing ovation at a meeting at which Britain's most highly decorated serving marine and Afghanistan veteran Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, GC, RMR was a guest.

SS Empire Bowman

In 1971, all living holders of the Albert Medal and the Edward Medal were instructed to exchange their medal for the George Cross.

Tony Fasson

He was posthumously awarded the George Cross "for outstanding bravery and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger" when on 30 October 1942 in action in the Mediterranean Sea he captured codebooks vital for the breaking of the German naval "Shark" Enigma cipher from the sinking U-559.


see also

Arthur Nicholls

Arthur Frederick Crane Nicholls (1911–1944), British recipients of the George Cross

Barbara Harrison

Barbara Jane Harrison (1945–1968), British air stewardess and recipient of the George Cross

Geoffrey Turner

He was awarded his George Cross for tackling a bomb which fell on Seaforth, near Liverpool-Stockport railway line.

Jack Miller

Jack Duppa-Miller (1903–1994), British recipient of the George Cross in World War II, originally called Jack Miller

Mahmood Khan Durrani

Captain Durrani was presented with his George Cross by Field Marshal Lord Wavell in 1946 at a special investiture ceremony held at the Red Fort, Delhi.

Michael Benner

Michael Paul Benner (1935–1957), British recipient of the George Cross