Originally, the VC ribbon was dark blue for the Royal Navy and crimson (red) for the Army. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War.
In 1918, King George V approved the crimson ribbon to be adopted by all three services. It is the joint highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is the equivalent honour for valour not in the face of the enemy. The VC has been awarded on 1356 occasions to 1353 individual recipients.
Obverse: It is a ribbon: 1+1⁄2 inches (38 mm), crimson (blue ribbon for naval awards 1856–1918)
Description: It is a bronze cross pattée with Crown and Lion superimposed, and motto: “For Valour”
Presented: It is presented by the monarch of the United Kingdom
Eligibility: Persons of any rank in the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the United Kingdom, its colonies or territories, and Commonwealth countries that award UK honours; members of the Merchant Navy; and civilians serving under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned forces or services are eligible.
The first recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC) saw action in the Crimean War. Among them was a Canadian lieutenant, Alexander Roberts Dunn, who was awarded the VC for heroism during the charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. There were 81 members of the Canadian Armed Forces awarded the Victoria Cross through acts of valour, (both ribbon colours)