§ MR. ALLHUSEN (Salisbury)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can state the principles which govern the recommendation of a soldier for the Victoria Cross; and whether the fact that an act of gallantry has been performed by a soldier in pursuance of orders and not on his own initiative precludes a general from recommending him for this decoration.
MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS (for Mr. WYNDHAM)The qualification for the Victoria Cross is defined by Royal Warrant to be—"Conspicuous bravery or devotion to the country in the presence of the enemy." There is nothing in this to preclude the Cross being given for an act done in pursuance of orders. The recommendation must, however, come from the officer in command, who must judge whether the act is such as, in his opinion, to merit the Cross.