Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is a second level military decoration of the United Kingdom armed forces. Created in 1993 and first awarded in 1995, it was instituted after a review of the British honours system to remove distinctions of rank in the awarding of gallantry decorations. The Victoria Cross is the only higher combat gallantry award presented by the United Kingdom.
The CGC was instituted in the aftermath of the 1993 review of the honours system. As part of the drive to remove distinctions of rank in awards for bravery, the CGC replaced both the Distinguished Conduct Medal(Army) and the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal(Air and Naval) as second level awards to Other Ranksand ratings. The CGC also replaced the Distinguished Service Order(DSO), in its role as an award to officers for gallantry. The DSO was retained as an award for outstanding leadership. The CGC now serves as the second level award for gallantry for all ranks across the whole armed forces.
The CGC, which may be awarded posthumously, is awarded “in recognition of an act or acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy”. All ranks of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force may be awarded the CGC in recognition of qualifying acts of gallantry. Bars are awarded to the CGC in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters CGC.
Regimental Awards
Capt Illingworth – CGC / LI
Sourced from Wikipedia and the RGJRA http://www.rgjassociation.info
original source from www.thegazette.co.uk