MILITARY CROSS (MC)

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This is a Sarah Jane image (you are welcome to copy)

There was no gallantry award, lesser than the VC and DSO, for junior officers and warrent officers until shortly after the outbreak of the First World War when the MC was instituted. Originally awarded to captains, lieutentants and warrent officers of the Army (including the RFC), it was subsequently extended to include equivalent ranks of the RAF when performing acts of bravery on the ground and there was even provision for the Royal Naval Division and the Royal Marines during the First World War. Awards were extended to majors by an amending warrent of 1931. As a result of the 1993 Review of gallantry awards and resultant changes to the operational gallantry award system, this award is now available to both officers and other ranks, the Military Medal having been discontinued.

BARS

Bars for second and subsequent awards have a crown at the centre.

DESCRIPTION

An ornamental cross with straight arms terminating in broad finials.

OBVERSE

On the finials of each arm of the cross is an Imperial Crown and in the centre of the cross is the Imperial and Royal Cypher of the reigning sovereign (GV, GVI, or EIIR).

REVERSE

The reverse is plain with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm.

MOUNTING

The ring welded to the top of the cross is joined to the plain straight suspender ring by a small ring (3 rings).

RIBBON

A watered white ribbon (1.375" wide), with a central purple stripe (0.5" wide).

NAMING

The MC is always issued unnamed, althoughsince about 1938 the reverse of the cross or bar is officially dated with the year of issue.

DATES

The Military Cross was established on 28 December 1915.

ISSUED

A total of 3,727 have gone to Canadians.

METAL

Silver

SIZE

Height 46mm; Max Width 44mm


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