The miniature Victoria Cross and George Cross medals are described as follows:

Victoria Cross
Instituted: January 1856

Description: A cross pattee. (Obverse) a lion statant gardant on the royal crown, with the words FOR VALOUR on a semi circular scroll. (Reverse) a circular panel. The cross is suspended by a ring from a seriffed 'V' attached to a suspension bar decorated with laurel leaves.

Ribbon: Crimson

Comments: Introduced as the premier award for gallantry, available to all ranks, to cover all actions since the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854. Of the 1,354 awards given since 1856, 832 have go to the army, 107 to the Royal Navy, 31 to the Royal Air force, 10 to the Royal Marines and 4 to civilians.

George Cross
Instituted: 24 September 1940

Description: A plain bordered cross with a circular medallion in the centre depicting the effigy of St George and the Dragon after Benedetto Pistrucci, surrounded by the words FOR GALLANTRY. In the angle of each limb is the Royal cypher GVI. The reverse is plain. The cross hangs by a ring from a bar adorned with laurel leaves.

Ribbon: Bark Blue

Comments: The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians and for members of the armed forces in actions where purely military honours would not normally be granted. Perhaps the most famous cross was that conferred on the Island of Malta in recognition of its gallantry during the Second World War.