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The highest honour The Victoria Cross (left) and the George Cross are the nation's highest award for extreme bravery. The VC, inscribed "For valour", is given for an act in the presence of the enemy. Its equal, the GC, is awarded in other circumstances, and may be given to civilians. Malta was collectively given the George Cross for gallantry in WWII.
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Distinguished service The Distinguished Service Order (left) dates from 1886 and recognises outstanding leadership in combat. It has also been used to mark bravery but since 1993 the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (centre) has been given in such circumstances. Like the GC, the George Medal (right) may be given to servicemen or civilians for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
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Sea, land and air
The Distinguished Service Cross (left), Military Cross (centre) and Distinguished Flying Cross recognise acts of bravery during combat operations respectively at sea, on land and in the air. The DSC was instituted in 1901, while the MC and DFC date from World War I.
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Mention in Despatches The Mention in Despatches (top right) is the British armed forces' oldest gallantry in combat award. Originally it was literally just a mention by name in the Commander in Chief's despatch. The Air Force Cross (left) and Queen's Gallantry Medal (centre) are both for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
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There are more medals that could be included, such as the Military Medal, but I have not found details of them as yet. Once I have such information, I'll add them to the page.
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