Military Cross

The Military Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for distinguished and meritorious services in battle on land.

The award was established on December 28, 1915. It was originally awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below and to Warrant Officers. In 1931 the award was extended to Majors, and since 1993 to other (non-commissioned) ranks as well; the Military Medal, previously awarded to other ranks, has been discontinued.

Recipients of the Military Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MC". Bars are added to the ribbon for holders who receive additional awards of the MC.

During World War 1, approximately 37,000 were issued, 3000 second award bars, 170 third award bars and 4 with three bars, indicating that the recipient had won the MC four times. During World War 2, approximately 11,000 were issued, with 500 second award bars.

The Military Cross is a plain silver cross, 1.75 inches across. On 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). The reverse is plain with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm. The ring welded to the top of the cross is joined to the plain straight suspender ring by a small ring (3 rings). The ribbon is watered white (1.375" wide), with a central violet stripe (0.5" wide).

See also

• British and Commonwealth orders and decorations