Post by anthony on Feb 10, 2008 9:44:35 GMT
Four Australian Army personnel were awarded the Victoria Cross in Vietnam although Britain was not involved in the conflict. The principle that gallant conduct could be rewarded independently of any political consideration of military operations was established in the first 25 years of the Victoria Cross.
Eligibility for the Victoria Cross was extended to colonial troops in 1867 following a recommendation for New Zealand Major Charles Heaphy who was commended for gallantry in 1864. However, the New Zealander was operating under British command and the question of an award for gallantry not under British command was answered in 1881.
Surgeon J F McCrea, an officer of the South African forces was recommended for gallantry during hostilities in 1881 which had not been approved by British Government. He was awarded the Victoria Cross thus establishing that gallant conduct could be rewarded independently of political considerations. Further details of this award can be found in Chapter 19, Difficult cases in M J Crook. The Evolution of the Victoria Cross, 1975, ISBN 0 85936 041 5.
Eligibility for the Victoria Cross was extended to colonial troops in 1867 following a recommendation for New Zealand Major Charles Heaphy who was commended for gallantry in 1864. However, the New Zealander was operating under British command and the question of an award for gallantry not under British command was answered in 1881.
Surgeon J F McCrea, an officer of the South African forces was recommended for gallantry during hostilities in 1881 which had not been approved by British Government. He was awarded the Victoria Cross thus establishing that gallant conduct could be rewarded independently of political considerations. Further details of this award can be found in Chapter 19, Difficult cases in M J Crook. The Evolution of the Victoria Cross, 1975, ISBN 0 85936 041 5.