Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) is awarded by the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada for distinquished and meritorious services in battle. It was originally awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below or Warrant Officers. The MC was established on December 28, 1915. In 1931 the award was extended to Majors.

As of the 1993 'Review' of gallantry awards the MC is now available to both officers and other ranks. The previous award for other ranks, the Military Medal (MM) has been discontinued.

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 purple stripe (0.5" wide).

See also: British and Commonwealth orders and decorations