The war involved the mobilisation of more than 100 million military personnel, making it the most widespread war in history. The war, also known as World War II (WWII), was a global military conflict that involved a majority of the world's nations, including all of the great powers, organised into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The Victoria Cross was awarded 182 times to 181 recipients for action in the Second World War. The first awards ceremony was held on 26 June 1857, where Queen Victoria invested 62 of the 111 Crimean recipients in a ceremony in Hyde Park. The order was backdated to 1854 to recognise acts of valour during the Crimean War. The award was officially constituted when Queen Victoria issued a warrant under the Royal sign-manual on 29 January 1856 that was gazetted on 5 February 1856. It takes precedence over all other Orders, decorations and medals it may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command. The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. Prime Minister Winston Churchill waves to crowds in London on Victory in Europe Day.