WIREDGOV

Queen to honour families of fallen heroes

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 01 July 2009

The Elizabeth Cross will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism in a mark of national recognition for their loss.

This is the first time the name of a reigning Monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for brave acts by both civilians and the military. Prior to this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.

The next of kin will receive the Elizabeth Cross – a sterling silver emblem, in the shape of a cross over a wreath - plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen which will bear the name of the person who died.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll will not just be granted to families who have lost loved ones in the recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Queen’s recognition will also be available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.

In a message to Her Armed Forces, Her Majesty The Queen 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. 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.”

Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said:

“I know that the families of those who have given their lives will wear the Elizabeth Cross with immense pride. 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.”

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:

“We owe so much to those who have died to protect our country and our way of life. 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.”

The arms of the Elizabeth Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Northern Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil). The reverse of the Cross will be engraved with the name of the person in whose memory it is granted. The Scroll is on parchment style paper, headed with the Royal Coat of Arms and the following words: “This Scroll Commemorates [name to be inserted] who gave his/her life for Queen and Country on [date to be inserted] ” The Scroll will bear the signature of Her Majesty The Queen in the upper left hand corner.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll have been inspired by precedents from the first and second World Wars. A scroll and memorial plaque were presented to the families of those killed in World War One. A scroll was given to the families of those who died in World War Two and in the Korean War in the early 1950s.

In June 2008 the MOD announced plans to introduce a new national form of recognition for those Armed Forces personnel who die on operations or as a result of terrorist activity whilst on duty. These plans were based on the recommendations of the military Chiefs of Staff and the final details have been confirmed today.

Families of those Service Personnel who have died since 1948 are invited to read the information on the MOD Medal Office website (see below) which includes information on the eligibility criteria and details of how to apply. Information and an application form can also be obtained by calling 0800 085 3600.

The full text of the Queen’s message to Her Armed Forces follows below.

A recorded radio message from the Queen is available for broadcasters from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) from 1 July 2009. Broadcasters should contact BFBS on 01494 878568.

A recorded TV interview with CDS is also available from BFBS from 1 July 2009. Broadcasters should contact BFBS on 01494 878568.

A Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) was laid in Parliament in the Defence Secretary’s name on 1 July 2009.

Pictures of the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll are available on request from the MOD’s Defence News Imagery service at www.dni.mod.uk. If you need to set up an account, email admin@photos.mod.uk or telephone 020 7218 6997.

Families of those who have died in Service can find out more about how to receive the Elizabeth Cross and eligibility criteria at: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals

Pictures of the Queen with service personnel are available on request from the MOD press office.

For more information, contact Tom Bennett in the Ministry of Defence Press Office on 020 7218 5083 or DMC-NewsPersonnel4@MOD.uk or Ailsa Anderson, Buckingham Palace Press Office, 020 7024 4209.

MESSAGE FROM HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
TO HER ARMED FORCES.

As I talk to you today I am conscious that my words are being heard simultaneously across many time-zones, climates and terrains. Wherever you are deployed in the world, you should be assured that I and the whole nation are deeply thankful for the part you play in helping to maintain peace around the globe. In these present times, no less than in previous years, the men and women of our Armed Forces undertake their duties in the knowledge that danger often lies ahead. They know that many have died in the service of our country and that difficulties are ever present.

With this in mind, the Armed Forces have recommended that for those servicemen and women who have given their lives during operations, a special emblem and scroll will be granted to their next of kin. I am pleased to be associated with such an initiative, which is in keeping with a tradition established during the First World War. And so I have asked that this emblem should be known as the Elizabeth Cross.

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. 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.

Around the world Prince Philip and I have always been impressed by the way the Commonwealth War Graves Commission tends to the graves and memorials of those servicemen and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. And now, the Armed Forces Memorial, established at the National Memorial Arboretum, bears the names of each of the British service personnel who have died on operations since that time.

To these collective memorials we now add a new and deeply personal commemoration. I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country. We will remember them all.