History

The Elizabeth Cross was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II by Royal Warrant on July 1, 2009. The Silver Cross was conferred upon the next of kin of deceased British Armed Forces and service personnel who died whilst on duty or as a consequence of an act of terrorism since the Second World War. The Cross may be awarded retrospectively back until January 1, 1948, and only 1 Cross may be awarded to the next of kin.

The Silver Cross is accompanied by the award of a memorial scroll, except in the case of Korean War causalities, whereby a memorial scroll was already conferred to the next of kin.