201270th Ann Award of George Cross to Malta - First Day Cover

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta on 15 April 1942.
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom and is the civilian counterpart of the military Victoria Cross.

Creation In 1940, during the height of German action over Great Britain, there was a strong desire to reward the many acts of civilian courage. The George Cross was the creation of King George VI, who was also largely responsible for the design concept of the medal; Percy Metcalfe was the official designer. The Award was instituted by Royal Warrant on 24 September 1940 to '...be awarded solely for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger...'