Distinguished Service Cross (UK)
The British (and Imperial) Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration for gallantry awarded to a person serving in the Royal Navy. The award was originally created in 1901 as the Conspicuous Service Cross for lower ranks who were ineligible for the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The award was renamed the Distinguished Service Cross in October 1914 and could be granted to all naval ranks below Lieutenant Commander. In 1931 the award was made available to members of the Merchant Navy. From 1940 non-naval personnel (Army and Royal Air Force) serving onboard a British vessel became eligible for the DSC.
From 1916, a bar was added to the ribbon for holders of the DSC who received a second award.
During World War I, a total of 1,983 DSCs were awarded. Since 1945, less than 100 awards of the DSC have been made.
Description
Source: Veterans Affairs Canada
- Shape: uniform cross with curved arms
- Material: silver
- Dimensions: 41 mm in height, 35 mm in width
- Features: The Royal Cypher, surmounted by a crown, in a circle
- Ribbon: Three equal stripes of navy blue, white and navy blue
The year of the award is engraved on the reverse of the lower arm of the cross.
