'The First Distribution of the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria, Hyde Park, June 26, 1857', (1901). The first 62 Victoria Crosses (VCs) were presented to veterans of the Crimean War (1854-1856) at Hyde Park in London. The Queen remained on horseback throughout the ceremony which was attended by large crowds. The Victoria Cross is awarded for gallantry 'in the presence of the enemy' to members of the British Armed Forces. From "The Illustrated London News Record of the Glorious Reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901: The Life and Accession of King Edward VII. and the Life of Queen Alexandra". [London, 1901]