Military Cross

The Military Cross is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, awarded to members of the British Army for distinguished and meritorious service in combat. It was formerly also awarded to officers of other Commonwealth nations. After the Victoria Cross and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, it is the third highest award for bravery in the British armed forces. As the Military Cross is only awarded to members of the Army, the Royal Navy (with the Distinguished Service Cross) and Royal Air Force (with the Distinguished Flying Cross) have their own badges of honour for bravery.

The Military Cross was instituted by King George V on 28 December 1914 and became official with effect from 1 January 1915. It was originally awarded only to officers of the rank of Captain or below and to Warrant Officers. From 5 February 1931, this award was also conferred on officers of the rank of Major. Since 1993, the award has also been presented to other ranks below that of Warrant Officers. In this respect, the Military Cross replaces the Military Medal, the awarding of which has been discontinued.

Recipients of the Military Cross are entitled to use the letters MC after their name to indicate the award (so-called post-nominals). If a soldier who is already a holder of the Military Cross is awarded this decoration a second time, he receives a silver bar on the ribbon. There is no limit to how many times someone can receive the MC.

During World War I, approximately 37,000 individuals were awarded the Military Cross. 3,000 of these received a silver clasp for earning the Military Cross a second time, 170 received a second clasp for earning the Military Cross a third time, and four achieved a three clasp award for earning it four times.

During World War II, the Military Cross was awarded a total of approximately 11,000 times. In 500 cases, the same soldier was awarded the Military Cross twice.

The Military Cross is a flat, symmetrical silver cross with a bar length of 4.445 cm (1.75 inches). On each arm is the image of an imperial crown (Imperial Crown). At the bar intersection is the initial of the reigning sovereign (GV, GVI, EIIR). On the flat reverse is an engraving on the lower bar with the year of the award. There is a ring soldered to the top, which is connected to the ring of the ribbon holder by another one. The ribbon is 1.375 inches (3.49 cm) wide of watery white color with a purple stripe down the center 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) wide.

Military Cross with repeat clasp

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the Military Cross?

A: The Military Cross (MC) is a military award that is given to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

Q: Who is eligible to receive the Military Cross?

A: Since 1993, officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces are eligible to receive the Military Cross.

Q: Was the Military Cross previously awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries?

A: Yes, the Military Cross was previously awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries.

Q: What is the criteria for receiving the Military Cross?

A: The Military Cross is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in Our Armed Forces".

Q: What change did the Queen approve in 1979 regarding the Military Cross award?

A: In 1979, the Queen approved a proposal that some awards, including the Military Cross, could be awarded posthumously.

Q: Is the Military Cross only awarded to officers?

A: No, since 1993, other ranks of the British Armed Forces are eligible to receive the Military Cross.

Q: What is considered exemplary gallantry for the purpose of the Military Cross award?

A: Exemplary gallantry for the purpose of the Military Cross award is an act or acts of bravery and courage against the enemy during active operations on land.