Skip to main content
The Air Force Cross

The Air Force Cross (AFC)

Overview

The Air Force Cross (AFC) was instituted in 1918 to recognise junior officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the three Armed Services for courage and devotion to duty while flying on operations not in contact with an enemy. Since 1993 the AFC has been made available to all ranks in the United Kingdom.

In 1999, the AFC was replaced in New Zealand by the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (for acts of gallantry) and by the New Zealand Bravery Decoration (for acts of bravery).

Description

The Air Force Cross is silver in colour with arms that represent aircraft propellers. Feathered wings are interspersed between the arms. The obverse features a central image of Hermes holding a laurel wreath and riding on a hawk. The upper arm of the cross is surmounted by a royal crown. The reverse bears the Royal Cypher above the date 1918.  

The ribbon is white with diagonal red stripes.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this award

    The Air Force Cross is worn as a decoration in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  It is always worn after the Distinguished Flying Cross and before the Royal Red Cross (2nd Class or Associate).

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this award

    The Air Force Cross is no longer awarded in New Zealand since the introduction of New Zealand's own system of Gallantry and Bravery awards in 1999.

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record