Level 2 Awards
These awards represent military or civilian gallantry that merits national recognition at the second level. The number, rank and name of each recipient of a Level 2 award is published in the London Gazette although the citation may not be published for every award due to security considerations surrounding the incident.
Distinguished Service Order
Instituted on 6 September 1886, the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat. It was also awarded to officers, for gallantry at the second level. Following the Government led review of military honours in 1993, the…
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George Medal
Instituted by King George VI on 24 September 1940, along with the George Cross to recognise, in particular, the large number of acts of gallantry being displayed during the Blitz but also in other areas where military awards were not appropriate. Although primarily a civilian award at the second level, it can be awarded to Service p…
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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
The last Level 2 award introduced before the re-organisation of the honours system in 1992. The medal filled a gap for the RAF, prior to its institution there were no Level 2 awards available for gallantry in action against the enemy for NCO´s and men. Prior to this they had only the DFM and VC. With the exception of one award this medal…
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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Instituted in 1855 just one year after the DCM as a Level 2 award to reward the actions of Naval personnel in the Crimean war. Originally issued with a scroll suspension similar to the DCM, it was in fact the Meritorious Service Medal that was used but the words on the reverse ´For Meritorious Service´ had the last two words remove…
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Distinguished Conduct Medal
Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1854 to recognise the many acts of gallantry being performed by troops in the Crimea, specifically “distinguished, gallant and good conduct in the field”. The DCM preceeded the Victoria Cross by two years after which it became the second highest award for gallantry. It was the oldest awarde…
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Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
Instituted as part of the gallantry awards review in 1993, the CGC is now the only Level 2 award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, replacing the DCM, CGM, CGM (Flying) and the DSO when awarded for gallantry. The CGC may be awarded to all ranks of the RN, RM, Army and RAF in recognition of acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations…
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