Insignia of the Victoria Cross
Insignia of the Victoria Cross
Blazon
Suspended from a ribbon Murrey by a letter V affixed to the lower edge of a clasp bearing two laurel branches bound by a ribbon, a bronze cross pattee charged with the Royal Crest of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (On the Royal Crown a lion statant guardant royally crowned) above a scroll inscribed PRO VALORE (meaning “For valour”), each end draped over the dexter and sinister limbs of the cross;
Symbolism
The design is essentially that of the original Victoria Cross, instituted by Royal Letters patent on 29 January 1856. The use of the Royal Crest as used by Queen Victoria indicates that the Sovereign is the source of the award; it is also appropriate as a reference to the name of the award and to the involvement Queen Victoria had in its creation. The laurels in the clasp are a traditional symbol of victory.
Motto of Victoria Cross
Blazon
PRO VALORE;
Symbolism
PRO VALORE, meaning “For valour”. The use of mediaeval Latin rather than English for the motto is the only substantial change from the design of the original Victoria Cross.
