Government response

Commemoration of Commonwealth Victoria Cross

Response to claims that recipients of the Victoria Cross from Commonwealth countries are not being recognised in next year's plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A spokesman said:

The men who gave their lives in the Great War will remain heroes forever. The government will be setting out more of its plan to commemorate the 100th anniversary shortly. This will include the most appropriate way to commemorate Commonwealth Victoria Cross winners. No hero will be forgotten.

Background

Plans on how to commemorate recipients of the Victoria Cross from the Commonwealth are currently being worked up by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office so those who were born outside of the UK can also be suitably recognised for their bravery. This will include which country is the best place for a memorial and what that memorial should be.

The place in which an individual was born will always have a special resonance.

When there is more than 1 option communities can come together to agree where an appropriate memorial for local heroes should be located.

Updates to this page

Published 20 August 2013