For Gallantry: Medals Expert Discusses the George Cross | TEA & MEDALS

The George Cross is on par with the Victoria Cross in the table of Gallantry, so how do they differ? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think.
In this bonus episode of Tea & Medals, medal expert and military historian Mark Smith guides Darren through the subtle differences between these top tier awards, and provides the context to its introduction by King George VI in 1940.
One of the 15 living recipients of the George Cross, Maj Pete Norton, featured in Episode 4 of this series. Maj Norton, an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) with the British Army, was seriously injured by an Improvised Explosive Device in Baghdad.
There are more bonus episodes of 'More Tea', exploring the history of British Gallantry Awards available on the links below:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5XbrC1e...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Google: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
BFBS: radio.bfbs.com/podcasts/tea-m...
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[@olivercromwell3575]

I enjoyed this video. How ever as a nurse in the NHS I object strongly to the NHS being awarded the George Cross. What we did during the Covid pandemic does not compare to Malta during the second world war. Malta was bombed for 2357 hours- 98 days. 1581 civilians were killed out of a population of 270,000. That is killed- there must have been far more injured people, many sustaining life changing injuries. I'm not knocking the NHS- we coped well in the pandemic. However, the civilians of Malta were far braver and lost so much more.

[@TheDavephillips]

I agree to some extent but I believe that NHS frontline staff should get the George Medal at least.

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

@@TheDavephillips nope Would just completely ruin the value of it They should get a medal yes But definitely not the cross That's like saying all front line soldiers should get the Victoria cross

[@TheDavephillips]

@@Alucard-gt1zf Sorry. Yes, on reflection I agree, the George medal might be more suitable perhaps.

[@pareeese]

As a Maltese citizen, I greatly and kindly appreciate your reverence for the Maltese that had fought and suffered during the war.

[@captainhindsight8779]

I agree, I see NHS staff wearing “their” George cross ribbon on uniform and have a replica GC mounted in a frame at home telling everyone that they are a GC recipient. It’s disrespectful to those who were awarded the GC for actual bravery. The fact that most of the NHS were making Tik Tok videos throughout the pandemic didn’t help the case either.

[@JohnDoe-cf8jz]

What a great story, learnt something today, thank you.

[@jamesbowens60]

I love all these stories, long may they continue

[@yrralsiwel9616]

From Barbados and I love these. Good going guys.

[@TheRealBigfeet]

Please do more of the history of the military medals and there civilian counter parts. I for 1 would be really interested in the why they where created and what you had to do to be awarded one. The tea and medals series has been exceptionally interesting and I thank you for creating it. I’m also looking forward to season 2.

[@williameddlewis4625]

i am 25 years old i have cried at all the war story's including one told to me personally (i took my time after speaking to the guy) this really got to me

[@1966davrojoe]

A great story of Valor. Thanks for producing more tea and medals.

[@liamperry7095]

Great episode. Thank you.

[@eddieharkin2550]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@jimkendall7522]

I have since my youth ( I am now nearly 80yo) been somewhat disappointed that people such as Odette and Violette Szabo were awarded the George Cross rather than the Victoria Cross. I don't know what is more "in the face of the enemy" is than resisting torture etc. Especially so when I now learn of the pilot's award being classed as a Victoria Cross. Yes an exceptionally gallant man but not in the face of the enemy.

[@richardschleenvoigt4374]

Great episode and Mark Smith is a great person infront of the camera!

[@madzen112]

Great example!

[@pilgrum23]

Mark I enjoyed you lecture

[@seadog717]

The nhs should not of been given the George cross they should of been given something like a Florence nightingale crest or something on them lines in my appinion

[@captainhindsight8779]

Agreed, I know NHS staff who genuinely believe they are recipients of the GC and wear a replica medal on remembrance day!

[@DAGO58]

There have been double VC winners in history. Has there ever been a double GC winner? Or even an individual who has won both the GC and VC for separate actions?

[@douglasherron7534]

Very good question! The V.C. has only been awarded twice to three people and only one of them - Charles Upham - was awarded the medal for combat (the other two were doctors and received their awards for rescuing wounded men). The George Cross has never been awarded to anyone twice and, as far as I know, no one has been awarded both the V.C. and the G.C.

[@Rabmac1UK]

The Americans claim that their 'Medal of Honor' is the direct equivalent to the Victoria Cross. Even our George Cross is a superiour award A Pilot who refused morphine to be able to land his friends safely, while suffering morphine needed pain is a Hero. I am glad he was upgraded to a VC, the Finest Medal in the World

[@stephenbelcher4376]

Aye

[@randolphperesso8954]

So why was Malta awarded the George Cross and not the Victoria Cross? Their bravery was undoubtedly “in the face of the enemy”!