Distinguished Service Cross

Product Description: This Miniature Distinguished Service Cross medal is made from lead-free pewter that is silver plated. It is supplied with approximately 9cm of ribbon. The medal is mounted on an information card that is full colour with an image of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse under attack on the front and has historical information about the medal on the reverse.

Information: Instituted: June 1901.

Known as the Conspicuous Service Cross when instituted, it was awarded to warrant and subordinated officers of the royal Navy who were ineligible for the DSO. In October 1914 it was renamed the Distinguished Service Cross and thrown open to all naval officers below the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Bars for second awards were authorised in 1916 and in 1931 eligibility for the award was enlarged to include officers of the Merchant Navy. In 1940 Army and RAF officers serving aboard naval vessels also became eligible for the award. Since 1945 fewer than 100 DSC’s have been awarded.

Description: A plain cross with rounded ends. (Obverse) crowned royal cypher in the centre, suspended by a ring; (Reverse) plain apart from the hallmark. From 1940 onwards the year of issue was engraved on the reverse of the lower limb.