Miniature silver cross pattée with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central silver medallion bearing the head of King George VI facing left, the arms with red enamel panels; the reverse with a circular central medallion bearing the crowned arms of King and Emperor George VI, the upper, left and right arms inscribed ‘FAITH’, ‘HOPE’ AND ‘CHARITY’ respectively, the lower arm dated ‘1883’; diameter 20.56mm (0.81 inch); on probably original ribbon, shortened at the back. The Royal Red Cross is a military decoration, instituted on 27 April 1883, and awarded for exceptional active service in military nursing, regardless of rank. It may be awarded for exceptional devotion and continuous service over a period of time or for an exceptional act of bravery whilst on nursing duty. A second class of Associate, as in this example, was added in 1917. Until 1976, the Cross was awarded exclusively to ladies. This example was most likely awarded during World War II when female military nurses tended the wounded, often in circumstances of great personal danger.
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