The Air Force Cross

The Air Force Cross (AFC) is one of the United Kingdom's most distinguished military aviation decorations. Awarded for acts of courage, exemplary skill and devotion to duty whilst flying, the Air Force Cross recognises gallantry and outstanding service in the air during non-operational circumstances.

Instituted in 1918 alongside the formation of the Royal Air Force, the Air Force Cross has been awarded to generations of aircrew who demonstrated exceptional professionalism and bravery outside direct combat operations.

This guide explores the history of the Air Force Cross, its eligibility criteria, design, award bars and the various monarch issues including the King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II & Charles III versions.

The Air Force Cross is a British military decoration awarded for gallantry, courage, skill and devotion to duty whilst flying, where the circumstances do not involve active operations against an enemy.

The award sits amongst the United Kingdom's most respected aviation decorations and has historically recognised exceptional achievements during:

• Training flights
  
• Test flying
  
• Aircraft development programmes
  
• Ferry and transport duties
  
• Search and rescue operations
  
• Non-combat flying activities
  

The decoration has primarily been associated with the Royal Air Force but has also been awarded to personnel from other qualifying air services.

The Air Force Cross was instituted on 3 June 1918 by King George V during the final year of the First World War.

Its creation coincided with the formation of the Royal Air Force, which became the world's first independent air force on 1 April 1918.

As military aviation expanded rapidly during the early twentieth century, it became clear that recognition was needed for acts of courage and outstanding flying skill that occurred outside direct combat operations.

The Air Force Cross filled this role, complementing awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), which recognised gallantry during active operations against enemy forces.

For more than a century, the Air Force Cross has remained one of Britain's most respected aviation awards.