[Michael]

Point taken, Hugh. *But the British government could have followed the U.S. precedent. *I agree that quite apart from changes in the Warrant, the introduction of alternative awards made it a lot more difficult to win the V.C.

The cougar incident is interesting, as I recall that a brother and sister both received the Albert Medal c. 1909 in a cougar attack in B.C. They defended each other, and both survived. *The sister lived to a ripe old age and if I recall correctly exchanged for a George Cross.

I don't have my sources to hand, but I know that several V.C.s have been forfeited - usually on criminal conviction by the civil authorities. Most of them, if not all, were during the 19th Century, and I think one was for the Second Afghan War.
Abbott and Tamplin's British Gallantry Awards would give the details. I have it at home.