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Families of 8,000 British troops killed since WWII to be given new Elizabeth Cross medal

The Queen is to honour the families of Britain's war dead with a new award in her name.

Those who have lost loved ones on the frontline or in terrorist attacks will be presented with the Elizabeth Cross.

In a radio message to the armed forces on the British Forces Broadcasting Service the Queen said: 'I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation's debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country.'

It is the first military honour granted by a monarch since the Queen's father King George VI created the George Cross for civilian heroism in 1940.

Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 6:32 AM | Comments (0) | Return

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