The Royal Red Cross (RRC) Class I was created on April 27th, 1883 by Queen Victoria to honour nurses who performed beyond the call of duty in military service. At this time Class I was the only class and those who received it were simply known as a Member of the class.
The RRC is given to a nurse with full training who shows devotion and competency in their nursing duties over a long period of time during military service or to a nurse who shows a grand display of gallantry or devotion to their post.
Until the year 1976 only females were able to receive the Royal Red Cross medal at which point it was opened to men as well. There is no rank distinction among military nurses and all are able to receive to it if they show the appropriate dedication or act of gallantry.
The RRC is a golden cross that is 1.375 inches across and has red enamel with a medallion that has the crown of the monarchy centred on it.
The ribbon is dark blue with crimson red edging and the medal has the words “Faith, Charity, and Hope” embossed on it along with the year “1883″ regardless of the year in which the RRC was received.
