Supply of the Victoria Cross

Originally the practice was for Hancocks to manufacture the medals, place the correct ribbons on them and deliver them to the War Office. Owing to the great number of Victoria Crosses supplied during the 1914-18 War this practice was discontinued for reasons of efficiency.

The previous system meant that, when any awards were made, the appropriate number of medals were returned to Hancocks for the necessary engraving and then returned again to the War Office. During the 1914-18 War the time required to produce the Victoria Crosses meant that the engraving was done directly the manufacturing process was complete.

It follows, therefore, that no individual Victoria Cross has ever been made specifically for an individual award, there being a stock of medals held in reserve. It must be realised that from time to time official duplicates have been issued to replace some which may have been destroyed or in other ways lost. Such replacements are under the strict control of the Ministry of Defence. At the present time there is a stock of Victoria Crosses held on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and it is unlikely that any will need to be manufactured in the near future.
 

Interested in more of Hancocks history? Select one of the following links:

Charles F. Hancock

The Devonshire Parure

The Victoria Cross
- The medal itself
- Metal & manufacture
- Supply
- Recipients

19th Century Exhibitions

Personalities