Distinguished Flying Cross

Subcollections
Overview

The Distinguished Fly Cross is a cross flory, 2.125 inches (54.0 mm) wide and was designed by Edward Carter Preston. The decoration is in the form of a cross, 54.0 mm wide. The horizontal and bottom bars are terminated with bumps, the upper bar with a rose. The decoration's face features airplane propellers, superimposed on the vertical arms of the cross, and wings on the horizontal arms. In the centre is a laurel wreath around the RAF monogram, surmounted by a heraldic Imperial Crown. The reverse is plain, except for a central roundel bearing the reigning monarch's cypher and the date '1918'. The year of issue is engraved on the reverse lower limb of cross. The suspender is straight and decorated with laurel wreaths.

Historical information

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was established in June 1918, shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF), for officers and warrant officers of the RAF for “an act or acts of valuor, courage, or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy“. From 1918 to 1972 the DFC was awarded to 2,391 Australians, along with 144 first Bars and five second Bars.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-99-121
Inscriptions and markings

The ribbon is 32 mm wide and was originally white with deep purple broad horizontal stripes. It was changed in 1919 to white with purple broad diagonal stripes. The ribbon bar is silver, with the Royal Air Force eagle in its centre. The suspender is straight and decorated with laurel wreaths. The ribbon bar denoting a further award is silver, with the Royal Air Force eagle in its centre.

Contextual information

Multiple examples of individual medals and medal groups are retained as an ongoing memorial to the service and sacrifice of Western Australians. Medals are displayed in context throughout the Museum. All medals are identified, archivally stored and those not on display are accessible and viewable with prior notice.

Last modified
Monday, 6 October, 2025
Completeness
72
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

DFC

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