Awarded for Valour_ A History of the Victoria Cross and the Evolution of the British Concept of Heroism

184 AWARDED FOR VALOUR
of the war would be far different, but the Victoria Crosses earned would be
won by Haig’s rules.
The warrant signed into effect in 1920 was modified in subsequent years,
including a full rewrite in 1931. The changes made were quite minor: the
width of the suspender ribbon was specified, the new extensions of air
power in the form of the Royal Air Force Reserve and Auxiliary Air Force
were included as eligible, and a special half-size replica of the Cross for
dress occasions was authorized. Further amendments were made in 1938
and 1939, recognizing the administrative separation of Burmese Forces from
the Indian Establishment and including their eligibility, and recognizing
a new definition of the rank of Warrant Officer as eligible. Likewise, the
creation of the Indian Air Force provoked an amendment specifying its
inclusion in January 1941. An additional amendment was made in 1942,
including the Home Guard and Women’s Services (a reflection of the Blitz)
and allowing Dominion governments to make direct submissions to the
Crown (a reflection of the new relationship between Britain and the former
colonies).
The final changes to the regulations governing the Cross came in 1961, but
once again the modifications were in terms of administration rather than the
character of heroism. Clauses VI (what formations are eligible), VIII (process
of recommendation), and XV (conditions and procedure of forfeiture) were
modified to give almost full autonomy to Dominion governments, subject
only to royal consent. Clauses X through XIII were changed to provide a
£100 sterling pension per annum to all winners. The warrant’s definition
of heroism remained precisely the same as the Warrant of 1920.^71
There was one final and subtle nuance hidden within the rewording of
the VC warrant. The fifth clause quietly dropped the Royal plural, ‘Us.’
The Victoria Cross had grown beyond its original concept of a personal
bond between sovereign and soldier. It was now understood to be a tool of
command, and as we shall see in the next chapter, a tool of politics as well.