Queen Elizabeth II has given her approval for the creation of a new medal for UK military personnel who lose their lives while serving their country. To be known as the Elizabeth Cross, the award will be presented in recognition of UK troops killed on the front line, or in instances of terrorism.

Launching the new award, the Queen referred to it as "a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt." The cross-shaped award will feature depictions of the national flowers of all four countries within the United Kingdom, the rose (England), thistle (Scotland), shamrock (Northern Ireland) and the daffodil (Wales). This makes the point that soldiers from all four countries have been deployed in action both historically and in more recent times.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the award on July 1st, highlighting his confidence that it would be "a very special and fitting tribute indeed for the great debt we owe to all those who die on operations and the enduring loss shouldered by their families."

UK Soldiers Killed

The award will be retrospectively given to the families of UK soldiers killed from 1945-to-date. On this basis, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), it could be given to as many as 8,000 families. The ministry has set a threshold in terms of the families it will contact directly, and those that will need to contact it. Specifically, relatives of soldiers fatally wounded after the year 2000 will be contacted, while those related to UK personnel killed between 1945 and 2000 will have to take first action. In both instances, the option will be there to receive the Elizabeth Cross in public or behind closed doors.

British Military Award

Almost 70 years have passed since a British military award was created that incorporated the reigning monarch's name. This was the George Cross, established in 1940, while some 80 years earlier, the Victoria Cross was incepted by Queen Victoria.

"The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind", Bob Ainsworth, UK Defence Secretary, stated.

The head of the armed forces, Sir Jock Stirrup, meanwhile, spoke of how the families of those eligible for the Elizabeth Cross could wear it with "immense pride."

"It is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid while safeguarding our security and freedom, it is also a lasting symbol of the nation's recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice", he added.