圖書館:澳大利亚维多利亚十字勋章
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|T=zh:澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章;zh-hans:澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章;zh-hant:澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章;zh-tw:澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章;zh-hk:澳洲維多利亞十字勳章;zh-mo:澳洲維多利亞十字勳章; |1=zh:皇家;zh-hans:王家;zh-hant:皇家;zh-tw:皇家;zh-hk:皇家;zh-mo:皇家; |2=zh:王家;zh-hans:王家;zh-hant:皇家;zh-tw:皇家;zh-hk:皇家;zh-mo:皇家; |3=zh-hans:伊莉莎白; zh-tw:伊麗莎白; zh-hk:伊利沙伯; |4=zh-hans:女王;zh-hk:女皇;zh-tw:女王; |5=zh:澳大利亞;zh-hans:澳大利亞;zh-hant:澳大利亞;zh-tw:澳大利亞;zh-hk:澳洲;zh-mo:澳洲; |6=zh:專利特許證;zh-hans:專利特許證;zh-hant:皇室制誥;zh-tw:皇室制誥;zh-hk:皇室制誥;zh-mo:皇室制誥; |7=zh-hans:英王;zh-hk:英皇;zh-tw:英王; |8=zh:澳大利亞元;zh-hans:澳大利亞元;zh-hant:澳大利亞元;zh-tw:澳大利亞元;zh-hk:澳元;zh-mo:澳元; }} {{Infobox military award |name = 澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章
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![](http://images.weserv.nl/?url=//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/UK_Victoria_Cross_ribbon_bar.svg/218px-UK_Victoria_Cross_ribbon_bar.svg.png)
|caption = 獎章正面外觀 |awarded_by = {{AUS}} |type = 軍事勳章 |eligibility = 澳大利亞軍人 |for = 「……獎給最勇敢、或是最卓越的勇士,或是勇於自我犧牲者,或是面對敵人仍能徹底忠於職守的人。」[1] |campaign = |status = 現行 |description = |clasps = |post-nominals= {{lang|en|VC}} |established = 1991年1月15日 |first_award = 2009年1月16日 |last_award = 2014年2月13日 |total = 4 |posthumous = 1 |recipients = 4 |individual = |higher = 最高 |lower = 英勇十字勳章[2] |same = 維多利亞十字勳章 |image2 = |caption2 = }}
澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章({{lang-en|Victoria Cross for Australia}})是澳大利亞授勳制度中的最高榮譽,用於取代發放給澳大利亞人的維多利亞十字勳章。澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章旨在獎勵「面對敵人時,敢於做出最英勇的行動、或是表現出卓越的勇氣和自我犧牲精神,或是最徹底忠於職守的人」。[3]
1991年1月15日,澳大利亞女王伊莉莎白二世簽署制誥,詔准創設澳大利亞的維多利亞十字勳章。作為澳大利亞人的最高榮譽,其優先級別高於澳大利亞授勳制度中原有的任何勳章、獎章和其它嘉獎[4]。這一勳章的授予人選由澳大利亞國防部長決定,既可以是澳大利亞軍人,也可以是其他人士[5]。獲得澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章的人有權在自己的名字後面加上勛銜簡稱{{lang|en|VC}}[6]。
澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章由國防部長推薦獲得人選,君主批准,再經澳大利亞總督授予。2009年1月16日,馬克·唐納森({{lang|en|Mark Donaldson}})成為這一勳章的首位得主,他因在阿富汗的烏魯茲甘省冒著強大火力營救聯軍部隊翻譯而獲此褒獎。在唐納森以前,最後一名獲得英國維多利亞十字勳章的澳大利亞人是基思·佩恩({{lang|en|Keith Payne}})准尉,他於1969年5月24日因在越南戰爭中的英勇表現獲獎,與唐納森相隔了近40年。無論是澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章得主,還是獲得英國維多利亞十字勳章的澳大利亞人,根據《1986年退伍軍人權利法令》第103條的規定都有權領取維多利亞十字勳章津貼。
歷史
原有勳章
1856年1月29日,維多利亞女王簽署皇家認證,正式設立維多利亞十字勳章。勳章追溯獎勵了克里米亞戰爭中的英勇行為[7]{{rp|7-10}}。勳章原計劃採用塞瓦斯托波爾圍城戰中繳獲的兩門俄羅斯加農炮上的青銅製作[8][9][10]。但歷史學家約翰·格蘭菲爾德({{lang|en|John Glanfield}})通過使用{{lang|en|X}}光對早期的維多利亞十字勳章加以分析後證實,其中採用的金屬實際上來自中國的大炮,而非俄羅斯帝國,至於這些古代中國的大炮來源仍然成謎[9][10][11]。
用來給勳章取材的加農炮停放在伍利奇皇家炮兵軍營的軍官食堂外。唯一遺留的鈴鐺重10公斤,存放在特爾福德第十五皇家後勤兵團的一個保險庫中,只有在武裝警衛的看守下才能從其上取材。估計這裡剩下的材料還可以鑄造80到85枚維多利亞十字勳章。所有的維多利亞十字勳章都是由1849年成立的倫敦珠寶商漢考克({{lang|en|Hancocks}})公司負責製作[12]。澳大利亞和紐西蘭的維多利亞十字勳章採用的青銅都和原有勳章相同[13]。
歷史上一共有96位澳大利亞人獲得過原本的維多利亞十字勳章,其中90位得主在澳大利亞軍隊服役,另外6人在其他部隊服役。64枚勳章用於獎勵第一次世界大戰中的行為,9枚獎勵加里波利之戰中的行動,還有20枚獎項的是第二次世界大戰中的行為,其他的則是針對第二次布爾戰爭、俄國內戰和越南戰爭。最後一位得主是基思·佩恩准尉,他於1969年5月24日在越戰中的英勇行為獲獎,獎勵他成功救援了超過40名戰友。[1]
單獨的大英國協獎勵
第二次世界大戰結束後,有多個大英國協國家相繼建立了各自的授勳及嘉獎制度,來取代原本沿用的英國授勳及嘉獎制度。澳大利亞、加拿大和紐西蘭[13]都建立了各自針對英勇行為的獎章,取代原有的軍功十字勳章之類英國獎章。不過,大部分大英國協國家仍然將維多利亞十字勳章作為對英勇行為的最高獎勵[14]。
1991年1月15日,澳大利亞女王伊莉莎白二世簽署制誥,澳大利亞成為第一個在其勛獎制度中設立獨有維多利亞十字勳章的大英國協國家。雖然這是個獨立的獎章,但其外觀與英國的獎章式樣完全相同[15]。其後是加拿大,該國於1993年由伊莉莎白女王簽署君主制誥而建立了加拿大維多利亞十字勳章,該勳章與英國的版本類似,只不過上面的字樣由英語「{{lang|en|FOR VALOUR}}」改成了拉丁語「{{lang|en|PRO VALORE}}」(均為英勇之意)[16]。不過加拿大的這一獎章雖已設立二十餘年,但還從來沒有頒發過。1999年,紐西蘭也設計了自己的維多利亞十字勳章,其外觀與澳大利亞和英國的勳章完全相同[13],於2007年7月2日授予威利·阿皮雅塔({{lang|en|Willie Apiata}})下士,這也是該勳章的唯一一次頒授[17]。
外形
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澳大利亞的維多利亞十字勳章與英國的設計完全相同。勳章為十字型,高41毫米,寬36毫米,十字的中間有一隻站在皇冠上的獅子,皇冠下還有{{lang|en|FOR VALOUR}}的環狀字樣,十字架從中心向外逐漸加寬,形成斜度[18][19]。正面的題字原本是{{lang|en|FOR BRAVERY}},後在維多利亞女王的建議下作出改動,她覺得有些人可能會錯誤地以為,只有維多利亞十字勳章的獲得者才在戰鬥中有勇敢的行為[9]。整個獎章,包括緞帶和吊杆,一共重27克[7]{{rp|16}}。
十字架由一個圓環懸掛在一個襯線體的字母「{{lang|en|V}}」上,上方有月桂葉作為點綴,再由色帶穿過。吊杆反面刻有獲獎者姓名、軍階、號碼和單位,勳章背面是圓形,其中間刻有其所獎勵英勇行為的發生日期[20]。色帶為緋紅色,寬38毫米。雖然在設立獎項的許可證上描述色帶為紅色,但大部分評論員都描述其顏色是緋紅或「酒紅」[21]。
頒授
澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章旨在獎勵{{quote|……最勇敢、或是最卓越的勇士,或是勇於自我犧牲者,或是面對敵人仍能徹底忠於職守的人。[1]}}
正式授予勳章的權力屬於澳大利亞總督,形式上還需君主批准。澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章的制誥和原本英國勳章的皇家認證有明顯不同。新制誥中並沒有特別規定任何特定推薦程序,不過預計任何建議都將通過各級軍事領導機關到達國防部長處[1][22]。新的制誥中也允許國防「部長確定其他符合本規定的人選」。作家羅伯特·麥克林({{lang|en|Robert Macklin}})推測,此舉可能是為了讓恐怖主義襲擊期間有英勇行為的警察、女性或平民也有資格獲獎。他還進一步指出,霍克政府將維多利亞十字勳章與傳統相分離的做法可能會受到一定程度的指責,這樣降低了榮譽的含金量。[22]如果出現一人多次獲得澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章的情況,那麼之後獲獎時將授予記敘勛扣[23],獲獎者可以在自己的名字後面增加「{{lang|en|VC and Bar}}」或是「{{lang|en|VC and Bars}}」字樣[6]。
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澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章是該國授勳制度中的最高獎,因此其優先級比原有的任何勳章、獎章和其它嘉獎都要高。名後字母「{{lang|en|VC}}」只能由獲獎人自己使用,不能傳給後嗣[7]{{rp|Introduction}}。「傳統主張,即便是最資深的軍官也應向維多利亞十字勳章得主敬禮,以表示對其英勇行為最崇高的敬意」[24]。雖然向維多利亞十字勳章得主敬禮已是沿用多年的傳統,但澳大利亞軍隊禮儀手冊第1卷附錄{{lang|en|B}}的第13章中卻規定:「除部隊在職軍官外,無需向(其他)維多利亞十字勳章得主敬禮」。馬克·唐納森獲得勳章後,澳大利亞空軍元帥安格斯·休斯頓({{lang|en|Angus Houston}})也有向他敬禮[24][25]。根據《1986年退伍軍人權利法令》第103條第4款的規定,澳大利亞政府需向任何獲得維多利亞十字勳章的人發放維多利亞十字勳章津貼[26],法令還將津貼數額定在每年3230澳大利亞元。從2005年9月20日開始,這一數額將根據每年該國消費物價指數的升幅進行調整[27]。此外,這一數額也不因軍人獲得的其他津貼數額和限制而受到影響[28]。
維多利亞十字勳章本身有著固有的價值,2006年7月24日,一戰軍人阿爾弗雷德·紹特({{lang|en|Alfred Shout}})上尉所獲得的勳章在雪梨寶尼拍賣行以100萬澳大利亞元的落槌價拍出,創下新的紀錄。紹特曾於1915年加里波利之戰期間在土耳其蓋利博盧半島的肉搏戰中犧牲,之後獲追授維多利亞十字勳章。買主克里·斯托克斯({{lang|en|Kerry Stokes}})將這枚勳章借給了澳洲戰爭紀念館,與另外8枚澳大利亞人因加里波利之戰而獲得的維多利亞十字勳章一起展示[29][30]。位於坎培拉的澳洲戰爭紀念館目前一共保存有66枚維多維亞十字勳章,其中63枚的主人是澳大利亞人——包括租借來的馬克·唐納森的澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章,另外3枚是英國軍人的。在這在很長一段時間中,它保持著世界上最大規模的維多利亞十字勳章展覽[30]。直到2010年11月,倫敦帝國戰爭博物館的阿什克羅夫特勳爵畫廊開放時,才打破了這一紀錄,它展出了阿什克羅夫特勳爵擁有的168枚勳章和帝國戰爭博物館擁有的48枚勳章[31]。
得主
馬克·唐納森
2009年1月16日,首枚澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章在位於坎培拉的總督府由澳大利亞總督授予澳洲特種空勤團成員馬克·唐納森[32][33]。2008年9月2日阿富汗戰事期間,唐納森在烏魯茲甘省的一次軍事行動中冒著敵人的猛烈炮火營救了一名翻譯[34]。
本·羅伯茨-史密斯
2011年1月23日,澳洲特種空勤團的本·羅伯茨-史密斯({{lang|en|Ben Roberts-Smith}})下士成為第二位澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章得主[35]。羅伯茨-史密斯下士於2010年6月11日在阿富汗的戰事中單槍匹馬對抗並摧毀了兩處塔利班機槍據點[35],新聞報道中將這一英勇行徑與愛德華·肯納({{lang|en|Edward Kenna}})獲維多利亞十字勳章的行動相提並論[36]。羅伯茨-史密斯下士還曾於2006年獲得英勇勳章,獲得維多利亞十字勳章後,他成為澳大利亞國防軍中戰功最卓著的現役軍人[35]。
丹尼爾·凱阮
2012年11月1日,澳大利亞皇家團第6營的丹尼爾·凱阮({{lang|en|Daniel Keighran}})下士因2010年8月在阿富汗戰爭中的表現獲澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章。凱阮下士故意把自己暴露在敵軍炮火之下,將火力引離一位受傷的戰友及其他正在照顧傷員的人。凱阮是此等勳章的第三位得主,也是首位不屬特種部隊的受勛者。[37][38][39]
卡梅隆·貝爾德
2014年2月13日,澳大利亞總理托尼·阿博特宣布特種部隊第2突擊團的卡梅隆·貝爾德({{lang|en|Cameron Baird}})下士獲追授維多利亞十字勳章。貝爾德下士曾於2007年獲英勇勳章,之後於2013年在阿富汗陣亡。[40]
追授勳章提議
2001年4月3日,澳大利亞參議員克里斯·沙赫特({{lang|en|Chris Schacht}})表示,他會在上任次日提出《2001年澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章獎勵草案》({{lang|en|Award of Victoria Cross for Australia Bill 2001}}),建議追授數枚澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章。2001年4月4日,參議員沙赫特提出草案,提議追授3位前澳大利亞軍人這一勳章。[41]草案經過首讀後,沙赫特發表二讀致辭,表示通過草案授予澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章雖有超越國會立法權的可能,但他認為,《澳洲聯邦憲法》第51條第6項中授予了議會「聯邦和各州的海軍和陸軍防衛」權力,所以國會應該對榮譽和獎項方法同樣有權提出立法,按照正常程序進行辯論後休會。2001年6月1日,來自布萊登的眾議員希德·賽德巴頓({{lang|en|Sid Sidebottom}})提出了《2001年國防法令修訂(維多利亞十字勳章)草案》({{lang|en|Defence Act Amendment (Victoria Cross) Bill 2001}})。該草案與參議員沙赫特提出的類似,賽德巴頓同樣認為國會根據《澳洲聯邦憲法》第51條第6項擁有立法權。[42]這兩項草案在2001年澳大利亞聯邦選舉前都沒有再經過辯論。沙赫特和賽德巴頓均為澳大利亞工黨成員,該黨當時屬反對黨,並且這個問題也由反對黨領袖金·比茲利列入接下來的聯邦選舉競選活動中[43],提議通過這樣的獎勵「提高三位澳大利亞普通人的知名度和認可度,他們都表現出了傑出的英勇行為」[42]。
提議追授勳章的三人分別是約翰·辛普森·柯克派屈克({{lang|en|John Simpson Kirkpatrick}})、阿爾伯特·克利({{lang|en|Albert Cleary}})和泰迪·希恩({{lang|en|Teddy Sheean}}),他們均是因在第一或第二次世界大戰中的英勇行為獲得追授提議。其中辛普森的故事已成為澳大利亞傳奇[44],他曾是澳大利亞陸軍醫療隊第三澳大利亞戰地救護隊成員,於一戰期間在蓋利博盧半島參加加里波利之戰。1915年4月25日降落在澳新軍團灣後,他從第一晚就開始用一頭驢從火線上把傷員拉到海灘撤離。他如此堅持了三個半星期,其中許多情況下都冒著敵人的炮火,直到壯烈犧牲。但是,英王喬治五世於1919年下旨,不會再針對剛剛結束的一戰授予獎勵。[45]
1965年,一場號召授予辛普森維多利亞十字勳章的宣傳活動使得他與一頭驢的形象出現在澳新軍團紀念章的正面,這一紀念章於1966年宣布製作,1967年首度發布。工黨在2007年澳大利亞聯邦大選中獲勝,所以有人猜測2001年的草案會重新提出。歷史學家安東尼·斯湯頓({{lang|en|Anthony Staunton}})在《澳大利亞軍事史期刊》({{lang|en|Australian Journal of Military History}})撰文指出,澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章不應予以追授。[46]2011年4月13日,有報道稱澳大利亞聯邦政府的國防授勳及嘉獎事務上訴審裁處將對13例追授獎勵的英勇行為進行審議。審裁處首先就會對「13人獲得維多利亞十字勳章、澳大利亞維多利亞十字勳章或其它形式認可的資格」進行討論,然後再繼續對各人的實際情況加以探討[47]。最終該部門於2013年2月6日向政府提交了報告,建議不予追授任何獎勵[48]。
參見
參考資料
{{Reflist|30em}}
擴展閱讀
- {{cite book | last = Compiled by Buzzell | first = Nora | title = The Register of the Victoria Cross | publisher = This England | location = Cheltenham | year = 1997 | isbn = 0-906324-03-3}}
- {{cite book | last = Duckers | first = Peter | title = British Gallantry Awards, 1855–2000 | publisher = Shire Publications | location = Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire | year = 2006 | isbn = 0-7478-0516-4}}
- {{cite book | last = Glanfield | first = John | title = Bravest of the Brave | publisher = Sutton Publishing | location = Stroud | year = 2005 | isbn = 0-7509-3695-9}}
- {{cite book | last = Harvey | first = David | title = Monuments to Courage | publisher = Naval & Military Press | year = 2000 | isbn = 1-84342-356-1}}
- {{cite book | last = Staunton | first = Anthony | year = 2005 | title = Victoria Cross: Australia's finest and the battles they fought | publication-place = Prahan, Victoria, Australia | publisher = Hardie Grant Books | isbn = 1-74066-288-1}}
Category:澳大利亞勳章 Category:澳大利亞軍事 Category:維多利亞十字勳章 Category:1991年建立的獎項
- ^ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 {{cite web | quote = ... most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. | archivedate = 2013-12-24 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111231/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/publications/honours/factsheets/victorian_cross_%20for_australia.pdf | title = Victoria Cross for Australia | publisher = Australian Government | format = PDF | url = http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/publications/honours/factsheets/victorian_cross_%20for_australia.pdf | accessdate = 2013-12-24}}
- ^ {{cite web|title=The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and Awards (Modified) |work=DHAM, volume 1. Annex A to Chapter 4 |publisher=Australian Government, Department of Defence |accessdate=2014-02-21 |archivedate=2014-02-21 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221185217/http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/Content/%2B050%20Honours%20Policy/%2B010%20Order%20of%20wear/04A.pdf |deadurl=yes |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/Content/+050%20Honours%20Policy/+010%20Order%20of%20wear/04A.pdf }}
- ^ Commonwealth Gazette No. S25, 1991-02-04, page 1.
- ^ {{cite report|title=The order of wearing Australian honours and awards |page=1 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |work=Commonwealth Gazette |archivedate=2011-06-04 |deadurl=yes |date=2007-09-28 |url=http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/B89078223273891ACA257364000409C3/$file/S192.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234255/http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/B89078223273891ACA257364000409C3/%24file/S192.pdf |issue=No. S192 }}
- ^ Victoria Cross Regulations, Commonwealth Gazette No. S25, 1991-02-04, page 2, Regulation 5.
- ^ 6.0 6.1 Victoria Cross Regulations, Commonwealth Gazette No. S25, 1991-02-04, page 2, Regulation 8.
- ^ 7.0 7.1 7.2 {{cite book | last = Ashcroft | first = Michael | title = Victoria Cross Heroes | publisher = Headline Book Publishing | year = 2006 | isbn = 0-7553-1632-0}}
- ^ {{cite book | last = Beharry | first = Johnson | title = Barefoot Soldier | publisher = Sphere | year = 2006 | isbn =0-316-73321-0 | page = 359}}
- ^ 10.0 10.1 {{cite web | url = http://www.hancocks-london.com/vc_manufacture.htm | title = Hancocks of London History of VC | publisher = Hancocks of London | accessdate = 2008-08-27 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080827184613/http://www.hancocks-london.com/vc_manufacture.htm | archivedate = 2008-08-27}}
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1506463/Author-explodes-myth-of-the-gunmetal-VC.html | title = Author explodes myth of the gunmetal VC | last = Davies | first = Catronia | work = The Daily Telegraph | date = 2005-12-28 | accessdate = 2013-11-17 | archivedate = 2012-02-03 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120203044646/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1506463/Author-explodes-myth-of-the-gunmetal-VC.html}}
- ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.hancocks-london.com/victoria-cross |title=Hancocks Jewellers |publisher=Hancocks of London |accessdate=2013-11-17 |archivedate=2013-10-06 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006031805/http://www.hancocks-london.com/victoria-cross }}
- ^ 13.0 13.1 13.2 {{cite web | url = http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/gallantry.html | title = New Zealand Honours | publisher = Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet | accessdate = 2011-09-26 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110926205737/http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/gallantry.html | archivedate = 2011-09-26}}
- ^ {{London Gazette | issue = 56878 | supp = yes | startpage = 3351 | endpage = 3355 | date = 2003-03-17 | accessdate = 2014-09-08}}The Gazette containing the most up-to-date Order of Precedence
- ^ {{cite web | archivedate = 2013-10-07 | url = http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/victoria_cross.cfm | title = The Victoria Cross for Australia | publisher = The Government of Australia | accessdate = 2013-11-17 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131007074107/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/victoria_cross.cfm}}
- ^ {{cite news | deadurl = no | archivedate = 2013-03-23 | url = http://www.ctvnews.ca/top-military-honour-now-cast-in-canada-report-1.231701 | title = Top military honour now cast in Canada | last = CTV.ca | first = News staff | publisher = CTV news | date = 2007-03-03 | accessdate = 2013-11-17 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130323160652/http://www.ctvnews.ca/top-military-honour-now-cast-in-canada-report-1.231701}}
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10453961 | title = Willie Apiata receives his VC | work = The New Zealand Herald | date = 2007-07-26 | accessdate = 2013-11-17}}
- ^ Victoria Cross Determination, Commonwealth Gazette No. S315, 18 November 1991, p. 1 Item 1.
- ^ Original Warrant, Clause 1: Firstly. It is ordained that the distinction shall be styled and designated "The Victoria Cross", and shall consist of a Maltese cross of bronze, with our Royal crest in the centre, and underneath with an escroll bearing the inscription "For Valour".
- ^ {{cite web | url = http://www.vvaa.org.au/med-vc.htm | title = The Victoria Cross | work = Vietnam Veterans Of Australia | accessdate = 2013-11-17 | archivedate = 2013-04-29 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130429075629/http://www.vvaa.org.au/med-vc.htm}}
- ^ {{cite web | url = http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.941 | title = The Victoria Cross | work = Imperial War Museum Exhibits and Firearms Collections | accessdate = 2011-09-27 | archivedate = 2011-09-27 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927091522/http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.941}}
- ^ 22.0 22.1 {{cite book | last = Macklin | first = Robert | title = Bravest: How Some of Australia's Greatest War Heroes Won Their Medals | publisher = Allen & Unwin | year = 2008 | isbn = 1-74114-882-0 | url = http://books.google.com/?id=jIxsc0s6tcgC | accessdate = 2014-05-11 | page = 252–253}}
- ^ Victoria Cross Regulations, Commonwealth Gazette No. S25, 1991-02-04, p. 2, Regulation 6.
- ^ 24.0 24.1 {{cite news | url = http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/im-no-hero-says-aussie-soldier-with-vc-20090116-7imy.html | title = I'm no hero says Aussie soldier with VC | work = The Age | publisher = Fairfax Media | date = 2009-01-16 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131214131127/http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/im-no-hero-says-aussie-soldier-with-vc-20090116-7imy.html | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | archivedate = 2013-12-14 | deadurl = no}}
- ^ {{cite press release|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=8677 |title=The Chief of the Defence Force salutes Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC |publisher=Defence Media Release MSPA19/09 |date=2009-01-16 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303203550/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=8677 |deadurl=yes |archivedate=2014-03-03 |accessdate=2014-09-08 }}
- ^ {{cite web | url = http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/vea1986261/ | title = Veteran's Entitlement Act 1986 | publisher = Australasian Legal Information Institute | accessdate = 2014-09-08}}
- ^ Australian Veteran's Entitlement Act 1986, section 103, (4) Victoria Cross allowance granted to a veteran under this section is payable at the rate of $3,230 per year. Note: The amount fixed by this subsection is indexed annually in line with CPI increases. See section 198FA., {{cite web | url = http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/vea1986261/s198fa.html | title = Veteran's Entitlement Act 1986, section 198a, | publisher = Australasian Legal Information Institute | accessdate = 2014-09-08}}
- ^ {{cite web | url = http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/vea1986261/s102.html | title = Veteran's Entitlement Act 1986, Section 102 | publisher = Australasian Legal Information Institute | accessdate = 2014-09-08}}
- ^ {{cite news | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131127160204/http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Gallipoli-VC-medal-sets-auction-record/2006/07/24/1153593264537.html | archivedate = 2013-11-27 | deadurl = no | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Gallipoli-VC-medal-sets-auction-record/2006/07/24/1153593264537.html | title = Gallipoli VC medal sets auction record | work = The Age | publisher = Fairfax Media | date = 2006-07-24 | accessdate = 2014-09-08}}
- ^ 30.0 30.1 {{cite web|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/vic_cross.htm |title=List of Victoria Crosses Held |publisher=Australian War Memorial |accessdate=2014-09-08 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710120939/http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/vic_cross/ |archivedate=2014-07-10 }}
- ^ {{cite news | archivedate = 2014-01-08 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140108165544/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8258207/Fifty-great-heroes-the-brave-the-gallant-and-the-extraordinary.html | title = Fifty great heroes: the brave, the gallant and the extraordinary | author = Lord Ashcroft | work = The Daily Telegraph | date = 2011-01-16 | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | deadurl = no | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8258207/Fifty-great-heroes-the-brave-the-gallant-and-the-extraordinary.html}}
- ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/special_events/TPR_markDonaldson.htm |title=Trooper Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, VC |publisher=Department of Defence |date=2009-01-16 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214154326/http://www.defence.gov.au/special_events/TPR_markDonaldson.htm |deadurl=yes |archivedate=2014-02-14 |accessdate=2014-02-14 }}
- ^ {{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24920340-601,00.html |title=Australian SAS soldier Mark Donaldson awarded Victoria Cross |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |date=2009-01-16 |accessdate=2009-03-05 |archivedate=2009-03-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305102926/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C25197%2C24920340-601%2C00.html }}
- ^ {{cite news|archivedate=2009-02-21 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221091102/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C%2C24788091-25837%2C00.html |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24788091-25837,00.html |title=Aussie special forces crush Taliban leaders in Afghanistan |author=Mark Dodd |work=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |date=2008-12-12 |accessdate=2009-02-21 }}
- ^ 35.0 35.1 35.2 {{cite news | last = AAP | title = SAS digger awarded VC for taking on Taliban | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald | date = 2010-01-23 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140107080958/http://www.smh.com.au/national/sas-digger-awarded-vc-for-taking-on-taliban-20110123-1a0zd.html | archivedate = 2014-01-07 | deadurl = no | publisher = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.smh.com.au/national/sas-digger-awarded-vc-for-taking-on-taliban-20110123-1a0zd.html}}
- ^ {{cite news | last = Dodd | first = Mark | title = Second SAS Afghan Victoria Cross for heroic charge | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | newspaper = The Australian | date = 2010-01-21 | publisher = News Limited | archivedate = 2013-03-26 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130326083713/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/second-sas-afghan-victoria-cross-for-heroic-charge/story-fn59niix-1225991997101 | url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/second-sas-afghan-victoria-cross-for-heroic-charge/story-fn59niix-1225991997101?nk=1d9713a6675e67964c5622025aff92e5}}
- ^ {{cite news | title = RAR soldier awarded Victoria Cross for Afghan valour | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-01/rar-soldier-awarded-victoria-cross-for-afghan-valour/4345848 | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | newspaper = ABC News | date = 2012-11-01}}
- ^ {{cite news | title = Soldier Honoured with Victoria Cross | url = http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Australian-Soldier-Honoured-with-Victoria-Cross | accessdate = 2013-05-24 | newspaper = Army News | date = 2012-11-01 | archivedate = 2013-05-24 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130524221627/http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Australian-Soldier-Honoured-with-Victoria-Cross}}
- ^ {{cite news | title = Corporal Daniel Alan Keighran, VC | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130520201029/http://army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Australian-Soldier-Honoured-with-Victoria-Cross/Corporal-Daniel-Alan-Keighran | accessdate = 2013-05-20 | newspaper = Army News | url = http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Australian-Soldier-Honoured-with-Victoria-Cross/Corporal-Daniel-Alan-Keighran | date = 2012-11-01 | archivedate = 2013-05-20}}
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-13/abbott-announces-100th-victoria-cross-recipient/5257200 | title = Victoria Cross: Corporal Cameron Baird becomes 100th recipient, PM Tony Abbott tells Parliament | publisher = ABC News | date = 2014-02-13 | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | archivedate = 2014-06-15 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140615123519/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-13/abbott-announces-100th-victoria-cross-recipient/5257200}}
- ^ {{cite web | url = http://www.aph.gov.au/Hansard/senate/dailys/ds040401.pdf | format = PDF | title = Parliamentary Debates, Senate | publisher = Hansard | date = 2001-04-01 | accessdate = 2011-12-20 | pages = 87-89 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111220065607/http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/dailys/ds040401.pdf | archivedate = 2011-12-20 | deadurl = yes}}
- ^ 42.0 42.1 {{cite web | url = http://www.aph.gov.au/HANSARD/reps/dailys/dr040601.pdf | title = Parliamentary Debates, House of Representatives | date = 2001-06-01 | publisher = Hansard | format = PDF | accessdate = 2011-11-24 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111124083712/http://aph.gov.au/hansard/reps/dailys/dr040601.pdf | pages = 20–23 | archivedate = 2011-11-24 | deadurl = yes}}
- ^ {{cite web | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090922182007/http://www.ozpolitics.info/election2004/2001ALP/veterans.pdf | archivedate = 2009-09-22 | url = http://www.ozpolitics.info/election2004/2001ALP/veterans.pdf | format = PDF | title = Kim Beazley's plans for veterans | publisher = Australian Labor Party | year = 2001 | accessdate = 2009-09-22 | deadurl = yes}}
- ^ {{cite web | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140724021014/http://www.anzacs.net/Simpson.htm | url = http://www.anzacs.net/Simpson.htm | title = Australia's favourite hero | publisher = Anzacs | accessdate = 2014-09-08 | archivedate = 2014-07-24}}
- ^ {{cite journal | last = Wilson | first = Graham | title = The Donkey Vote. A VC for Simpson — The Case Against | journal = Sabretache: the Journal and Proceedings of the Military Historical Society of Australia | volume = 47 | issue = 4 | date = 2006-12 | pages = 25–37}}
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/bravery-award-for-war-hero-blocked-1-1285897 | title = Bravery award for war hero blocked | date = 2008-01-15 | work = The Shields Gazette | last = Myles-Kelly | first = Paul | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120902090950/http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/bravery-award-for-war-hero-blocked-1-1285897 | archivedate = 2012-09-02 | deadurl = yes | accessdate = 2012-09-02}}
- ^ {{cite news | accessdate = 2014-09-09 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107225214/http://www.smh.com.au/national/awards-tribunal-to-consider-13-posthumous-vcs-20110416-1dihi.html | title = Awards tribunal to consider 13 posthumous VCs | newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald | publisher = Fairfax Media | date = 2011-04-16 | archivedate = 2012-11-07 | url = http://www.smh.com.au/national/awards-tribunal-to-consider-13-posthumous-vcs-20110416-1dihi.html}}
- ^ {{cite web | title = Inquiry into unresolved recognition for past acts of naval and military gallantry and valour | accessdate = 2014-09-09 | work = Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal | publisher = Australian government | archivedate = 2014-06-07 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140607000337/http://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/inquiries/completed-inquiries/valour/ | url = http://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/inquiries/completed-inquiries/valour/}}