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

38 AWARDED FOR VALOUR
commanders? Have we not done all the troops could do under such
difficult circumstances?’^68
On the subject of the creation of a new award, Albert proposed strict
regulations to insure against the abuses noted in connection with the Bath –
granted too freely – and with the injustices inherent in issuing battle clasps –
that deserving soldiers might be slighted:
The only mode, I see, in which the difficulty could be overcome, seems
to be something like the following:

1. That a small cross of merit forpersonal deeds of valourbe established.


2. That it be open to all ranks.


3. That it be unlimited in number.


4. That an annuity (say, £5) be attached to each cross.


5. That it beclaimableby an individual on establishing before a Jury of his
   Peers subject to confirmation at home, his right to the distinction.


6. That in cases of general actions it will be given in certain quantities to
   particular regiments, so many of the Officers, so many of the Sergeants,
   so many to the men (of the last say 1 per company) & that their
   distribution be left to a jury of the same rank as the persons to be
   rewarded.^69
   The peer-elective principle was intended to serve to both defuse the resent-
   ment soldiers might feel at not getting a decoration and to discourage
   commanding officers from recommending every man in the company or regi-
   ment in situations where an entire unit performed bravely. He closed with
   an admonition to avoid copying the French lead in creating the new medal:
   I would advise no reference to the Legion of Honour, the distribution of
   which is entirely arbitrary and guided by no principle, which is given
   indiscriminately to soldiers and civilians and has long been made a tool
   for corruption in the hands of the French Govt, the number of whose
   members extends to 40,000 & which has almost become a necessary
   appendage to the French Dress.^70
   Although Albert and Victoria at this point appear to have gotten behind
   the idea of a new gallantry award, going so far as authorizing approval of a
   public announcement of the intent to create a ‘Cross of Military Merit,’ polit-
   ical circumstances put the issue on the back burner for almost a year. The day