V.C. March - British March

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously awarded to service personnel in the broader British Empire (later Commonwealth of Nations), with most successor independent nations now having established their own honours systems and no longer recommending British honours. It may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any service and to civilians under military command. No civilian has received the award since Reverend James Adams in 1879. Since the first awards were presented by Queen Victoria in 1857, two thirds of all awards have been personally presented by the British monarch. The investitures are usually held at Buckingham Palace.

Performed by the the Black Diamonds Band.

The painting is a watercolour depicting Queen Victoria presenting the Victoria Cross medals. On the Queen's right is Prince Frederick William of Prussia and beyond him Prince Alfred and the Prince of Wales. To the Queen's left is Lord Panmure, Secretary at War, with Prince Albert and others. In 1856 Queen Victoria instituted the Victoria Cross to recognise conspicuous bravery throughout all ranks of the armed forces. The first ceremony to distribute the crosses was held in Hyde Park in June 1857. Queen Victoria can be seen here on horseback, fastening the decoration on the jacket of Captain of the Mast George Henry Ingouville, who won the Victoria Cross for operations in the Baltic Campaign in 1855.