Military Cross Instituted

Friday, January 1, 1915

In Camp, Lark Hill, Salisbury Plains

The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Rain all day. All available men on fatigues.  No parades.” [1]

01 Jan 15
THE MILITARY CROSS – NEW DECORATION SECOND ONLY TO VICTORIA CROSS

THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: “London, December 31.  King George has instituted a new decoration which is called “The Military Cross.”  The decoration is of silver and bears the imperial crown on each arm and in the centre the letters “G.R.I.” (George Rex Imperator).

Captains, commissioned officers of a lower grade or warrant officers in the army who distinguish themselves in time of war are eligible to “The Military Cross.”  It takes precedence over all decorations and medals, with the exception of the Victoria Cross.

The Gazette contains the names of about one hundred persons on whom the new decoration has been conferred.”   [2]  Eventually 37 MC’s would be awarded to RMR officers in the First World War (four “with Bar”, meaning it was awarded twice).

Cont’d –

01 Jan 15_B

RMR Officers Awarded the Military Cross in WW1
RMR Officers Awarded the Military Cross in the First World War
[1]    War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Jan 1, 1915.  Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089686.jpg
[2]   “The Military Cross,” The Gazette, Montreal, Quebec, January 1, 1915, pg. 7, col. 4.
[3]   The London Gazette, 29 December, 1914, issue 29024, 3rd Supplement, Jan 1, 1915, pg. 7 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29024/supplement/7

Share your thoughts