Military Cross
The Military Cross (MC) is a prestigious third-level military decoration awarded to members of the British Armed Forces. It is granted in recognition of an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land. While originally reserved for officers and warrant officers, the award has evolved over a century to become an inclusive honor for all ranks.
Established during the early stages of World War I, the Military Cross serves as a critical marker of bravery, sitting below the Victoria Cross (awarded for the most conspicuous bravery) and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in the order of precedence.
Key Facts
- Established: 28 December 1914.
- Eligibility: All ranks of the British Armed Forces (since 1993); formerly Commonwealth and allied forces.
- Criteria: Exemplary gallantry during active land operations against the enemy.
- Total Recipients: Over 52,000 individuals.
- Design: A silver cross with the Royal Cypher in the center, suspended by a white and purple ribbon.
History and Evolution
The Military Cross was created on 28 December 1914, specifically for warrant officers and commissioned officers with a substantive rank of captain or below. The first 98 awards were officially gazetted on 1 January 1915, distributed among 71 officers and 27 warrant officers.
Over time, the eligibility criteria expanded to ensure fairness and inclusivity. In September 1916, members of the Royal Naval Division serving on the Western Front became eligible. By June 1917, temporary majors (not exceeding the substantive rank of captain) could receive the honor, and by 1953, substantive majors were included. In 1931, the award was extended to equivalent ranks in the Royal Air Force for actions occurring on the ground.
A significant shift occurred in 1993 during a review of the honors system. To remove distinctions of rank in bravery awards, the Military Medal—previously the third-level decoration for other ranks—was discontinued. Consequently, the Military Cross became the standard third-level award for all ranks of the British Armed Forces.
Posthumous Awards and Recognition
While the first awards in 1915 included seven recipients listed as "deceased" (based on recommendations made before their death), official approval for posthumous recommendations was not formally granted by Queen Elizabeth II until 1979. The first official posthumous Military Cross was awarded to Captain Herbert Westmacott of the Grenadier Guards for his actions in Northern Ireland between 1980 and 1980.
Design and Description
The Military Cross was designed by Henry Farnham Burke, with the ribbon created by Victoria Ponsonby, Baroness Sysonby. The medal is an ornamental silver cross measuring 46 mm in height and 44 mm in width, featuring straight arms that end in broad finials.
- Obverse: Decorated with imperial crowns and the Royal Cypher at the center.
- Reverse: Plain. Between 1938 and 1957, the year of award was engraved on the lower limb; since 1984, the medal has been named to the recipient.
- Ribbon: A 32 mm wide moire ribbon consisting of three equal vertical stripes of white, purple, and white.
When a recipient performs further acts of gallantry, a bar is awarded. A silver rosette is worn on the ribbon when the medal is not present to denote these additional awards.
Recipients and Statistics
Since its inception, the Military Cross has been awarded over 52,000 times, including 3,714 bars. The vast majority of these were awarded during the two World Wars, with significant contributions from Commonwealth nations before they established their own independent honors systems.
| Period | Medals | 1st Bar | 2nd Bar | 3rd Bar | Honorary MCs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World War I (1914–20) | 37,104 | 2,984 | 169 | 4 | 2,909 |
| Inter-War (1920–39) | 349 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| World War II (1939–46) | 10,386 | 482 | 24 | 0 | 438 |
| Post-War (1947–79) | 643 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total (1914–79) | 48,482 | 3,517 | 193 | 4 | 3,347 |
Beyond these figures, approximately 375 MCs have been awarded since 1979 for service in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
![Albert Jacka's MC[25] and bar[26]](/images/bb/68/bb68ab95282772a186da36eaba823e8116a0de97d425f8bf5b18f4eb7bb2ee6e.jpg)
Notable Awardees
The history of the Military Cross is marked by extraordinary individuals and unique circumstances. Acting Captain Francis Wallington was the first person to receive the MC and three bars during World War I. In a rare gesture, the cities of Verdun and Ypres were also awarded the Military Cross for their roles in the Great War.
The award has also broken gender barriers. Private Michelle Norris of the Royal Army Medical Corps became the first woman to receive the Military Cross in 2007 for her actions in Iraq. She was followed by Able Seaman Kate Nesbitt in 2009, the first woman in the Royal Navy to receive the honor for service in Afghanistan.
![MC awarded to 2nd Lt. E. W. Fane de Salis (1894–1980)[27]](/images/d1/fb/d1fbd8e2e7f68f89f99127ba24afd9aea5aed46eadc8ea94db82d98045181df9.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Military Cross?
Currently, all ranks of the British Armed Forces are eligible. Historically, it was restricted to commissioned officers of the rank of captain or below and warrant officers.
What is the difference between the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery, given for the most conspicuous bravery. The Military Cross is a third-level decoration awarded for exemplary gallantry.
Can the Military Cross be awarded posthumously?
Yes. While early awards were sometimes given to those who died of wounds, Queen Elizabeth II formally approved posthumous recommendations for the Military Cross in 1979.
What does a "bar" on the Military Cross signify?
A bar is awarded to a recipient who performs further acts of gallantry that would have merited the Military Cross if they had not already received it.
Do Commonwealth countries still award the British Military Cross?
No. Most Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have since created their own national honors systems and gallantry awards.