List of British gallantry awards for the Iraq War


A list of British awards for gallantry in the Iraq War, awarded between 2003 and 2010. Apart from appointments to purely military orders, only gallantry awards have been included and only those that allow post-nominal letters.
The list includes the rank and decorations the recipient held at the time, together with their regiment, corps or service, and the date of publication of the award in the London Gazette. The first honours list was published in October 2003, and covered the initial invasion period from 19 March to 19 April. Thereafter lists covered six month periods of operations, ending in March or September, normally being published several months later. The final list was published in March 2010.

Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the presence of the enemy, and is also the highest honour in the British Honours System. A miniature of the award is worn on the undress uniform to indicate the unique nature of the award.
The George Cross is the highest civilian award for bravery, and ranks as second only to the Victoria Cross. It may be awarded to members of the armed forces for acts of heroism not in the presence of the enemy. A miniature of this award is also worn in undress.
Senior officers may be appointed to the Order of the Bath for distinguished service. There are three Divisions: Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander and Companion.
KCB:
CB:
The Distinguished Service Order is awarded for leadership during operations. It may be awarded to any rank, but the majority of awards are to officers of at least the rank of lieutenant colonel commanding recognised formations. Although an Order, and with only one Class - Companion - bars may be awarded for further periods of service meriting an appointment to the Order.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is the next level of award down from the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
The Royal Red Cross is awarded for distinguished nursing service. There are two classes: Members and Associates. Officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and above will normally be admitted as Members; Membership is also awarded to those Associates providing a second period of service worthy of recognition.
RRC:
ARRC:
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third-level medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy at sea.
The Military Cross is the third-level medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy on land.

Royal Navy

Cavalry

The Distinguished Flying Cross is the third-level medal awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy in the air.
Bar to DFC:
DFC:
The Air Force Cross is also a third-level award for gallantry in the air, awarded for actions whilst not in active operations against the enemy.
The George Medal is the next level below the George Cross for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
The Queen's Gallantry Medal is the third-level medal awarded for bravery not in the face of the enemy.
Bar to QGM:
QGM: