VC

During a classic rescue mission in Afghanistan, the Tora-Bora caves to be more precise, two weeks ago involving SAS Soldiers, 4 were injured, and two SAS soldiers have been awarded the VC (Victoria Cross). It is the first for a long time, anyone to be awarded the medal and survived.This is the first awardings of the Cross in this Century, it is also the first time the Cross has been awarded to living members of the British forces. The two soldiers cannot be named due to their continued service within the Regiment or for the first time be let known to what they did to even earn it. The story of Cpl. Labalaba in Oman never received one for his courage because it is expected of all members to do the sam in that situation. However I can only point out that if two members of the SAS have received (first to receive in this millenium) this medal, their work must of been extraordinary. But, as it is stated no information will be realeased as of yet or in the near future. Congrats to the men and the Regiment.

Ever since it's institution the Cross has been supplied by the well-known London Jewellers, Messrs. Hancocks and Co., now of Burlingtons Gardens London W1. The Cross and suspender are first cast in gunmetal and then chased and finished by hand, from 1914 to 1950 a die-cast suspender was used. The metal is taken from guns captured from the Russians in the Crimean War although during and after the
First World War it is fairly certain that the metal from captured chinese guns was used for a short period. The components of the decoration are then treated chemically to obtain the uniform dark brown finish which is darker on some issues than others. The Cross is 1.375 inches wide and, together with the suspender and link, weighs about 0.87 ounces troy, although chasing and finishing may cause slight variation in these figures. The design of the Cross is attributed to H.H Armstead who at the time of it's inception was working for Hancocks, the design then being approved by the Queen.