The Victoria Cross (VC) was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 to reward soldiers of any rank for acts of extreme bravery or gallant conduct 'in the face of the enemy'.A total of 1,356 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since 1856 to 1,353 men.
Crimean War - 111 awards
Boer War - 78 awards
First World War - 628 awards
The youngest recipient of the VC was just 15 years old. The oldest was 62.
Read more about the History of the Victoria Cross here
Also see links
