Date Instituted: 1918.

Description: A very ornate cross based upon an aircraft's propeller blades. In the centre of the obverse is the RAF monogram surmounted with a crown either side of which are outstreched wings on the horizontal arms of the cross. The cross is suspended from a straight suspender decorated with laurel wreaths.

Metal: Silver.

Size: 60mm high and 54mm wide.

Bars: Bars are authorised for subsequent awards.

Ribbon: White with diagonal purple stripes.

Naming: Issued un-named but from start of the Second World War the date of the award is engraved on the reverse.

Post-Nominal Letters: DFC.

Comments: Awarded to officers and warrant officers of the RAF for acts of valour while flying on operational missions against the enemy. After the 1993 Review of Gallantry Awards eligibilty was extended to all ranks thus replacing the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Further Reading:

• Nil.

Obverse