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New medal to honour forces dead New Queen's award for forces dead
(9 minutes later)
The Queen has approved a new honour in her name for members of the armed forces who are killed in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.The Queen has approved a new honour in her name for members of the armed forces who are killed in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
The Elizabeth Cross will be awarded to the families of those killed.The Elizabeth Cross will be awarded to the families of those killed.
In a personal message to service personnel, the Queen said the medal was "a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt". In a personal message to service personnel, the Queen said the emblem was "a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt".
The Cross will be available to the relatives of those killed in conflicts as long ago as 1948.The Cross will be available to the relatives of those killed in conflicts as long ago as 1948.
Made of sterling silver in the shape of a cross and a wreath, it will carry the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales - the rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil. It will be made of sterling silver in the shape of a cross and a wreath, and will carry the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales - the rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil.
It will be awarded along with a Memorial Scroll signed by the Queen and bearing the name of the individual killed.It will be awarded along with a Memorial Scroll signed by the Queen and bearing the name of the individual killed.
'Enduring loss''Enduring loss'
Gordon Brown announced the new award during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons on Wednesday.Gordon Brown announced the new award during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons on Wednesday.
He said: "I am confident that this will be a very special and fitting tribute indeed for the great debt we owe to all those who die on operations and the enduring loss shouldered by their families."He said: "I am confident that this will be a very special and fitting tribute indeed for the great debt we owe to all those who die on operations and the enduring loss shouldered by their families."
The Queen explained her motivation for instituting the award in a special radio message broadcast on armed forces radio. The Queen explained her motivation for instituting the award in a special radio message on the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
It is a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice Air Chief Marshal Jock StirrupIt is a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup
"This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all," she said."This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all," she said.
"The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character."The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character.
"As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect.""As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect."
It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was introduced in 1940 by King George VI. The Ministry of Defence estimates that about 8,000 families could be eligible for the award.
Before this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by members of the armed forces. It says it will contact the families of those who have died since 2000 about receiving it, but relatives of those killed before that date will be required to apply themselves.
They will then be able to decide whether they wish to receive the award publicly or in private.
'Immense pride'
It is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since 1940.
Then King George VI introduced the George Cross, the highest honour for civilian acts of bravery.
Before this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for exceptional gallantry by members of the armed forces.
The chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said relatives would wear the Elizabeth Cross with "immense pride".The chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said relatives would wear the Elizabeth Cross with "immense pride".
He said: "It is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid while safeguarding our security and freedom, it is also a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice."He said: "It is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid while safeguarding our security and freedom, it is also a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice."
The Cross will apply to regular and reserve personnel and will also cover those who died later as a result of injuries received in the field.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind."