(This Warrant applies also to the Auxiliary and Reserve Forces.)
Victoria R.
Whereas doubts have arisen as to the qualification required for the decoration of the Victoria Cross, and whereas the description of such qualification in Our Warrant of 29th January, 1856, is not uniform. Our will and pleasure is that the qualification shall be “conspicuous bravery or devotion to the country in the presence of the enemy,” and that Our Warrant of 29th January, 1856, shall be read and interpreted accordingly.
It is Our further will and pleasure that Officers and Men of Our Auxiliary and Reserve Forces (Naval and Military) shall be eligible for the decoration of the Victoria Cross under the conditions of Our said Warrant, as amended by this Our Warrant.
Given at Our Court at Osborne, this 23rd day of April, 1881, in the forty-fourth year of Our Reign.
By Her Majesty’s Command,
Hugh C. E. Childers.
In the same year, 1881, appeared another Warrant which included as eligible for the Decoration members of the Indian Ecclesiastical Establishment, provided that they were serving under a general or other officer in command of troops in the field. By this provision the Rev. J. W. Adams was gazetted V.C.
Under a later Warrant, dated July 18, 1898, authority was given to increase the Victoria Cross pension from £10 to £50 a year, the condition to be satisfied in such cases being inability to earn a livelihood, in consequence of age or infirmity occasioned by causes beyond an Annuitant’s control.
The last Royal Warrant to be issued bears date August 8, 1902, and runs as follows:—