“I have decided to create at once a new mark of honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life.”

80 years ago today, King George VI announced the creation of the George Cross. The award ranks alongside the Victoria Cross, and recognises acts of bravery away from battle.

Since 1940, the George Cross has been awarded over 400 times.

During WW2, many recipients were recognised for their roles in bomb disposals, or their work with the secret Special Operations Executive.

John Babington, who defused German bombs; Odette Hallowes, an SOE agent

Violette Szabo, an undercover agent, was captured and died in a German concentration camp, but she never gave up the identities of her peers.

Her George Cross was bestowed posthumously, and her young daughter Tania received the award from King George VI on her behalf in 1946.

The George Cross was awarded collectively to Malta in 1942, following hundreds of air raids.

In a letter to the Governor, The King said the award was “to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.”

King George VI visits Malta, 1943

The George Cross is still awarded today

Most recently, The Queen bestowed the award on Dominic Troulan, a former Royal Marine who risked his life to save dozens of people during a terrorist attack on a shopping centre in Kenya.

The Queen and Mr Troulan, 2017

Her Majesty is Patron of The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, whose members include living recipients of each of the awards.

The Queen meets holders of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, and their families, at a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2014