The Military Cross - Gallantry on land

TheMilitary Cross is another part of the trinity of 'location based' gallantry medals just below the Victoria Cross and theConspicuous Gallantry Cross in the honours hierarchy. It can be awarded to all ranks and all services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land. Its sister medals are the Distinguished Service Cross (for exemplary gallantry at sea) and the Distinguished Flying Cross (for exemplary gallantry in the air).

A bit of history

The Military Cross (MC) was created at the beginning of World War One in 1914. Its intention was to create an award forgallantry on land in presence of the enemy which could be awarded to warrant and junior army officers whose rank made them ineligible for the Distinguished Service Order (an award typically made to middle ranking officers). During the First World War, it was also made available to equivalent ranks in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Later on itbecame available to equivalent ranks in the RAF for acts of gallantry on land.

For those below the warrant, junior or equivalent ranks,the Military Medal was the corresponding award. However, in 1993 a review of the honours system was made by the British military and government. One of the key outcomes of this was the removal of rank distinctions for gallantry awards. In light of this, theMilitary Medalwas discontinued and the Military Cross became available to all ranks of all services for exemplary gallantry on land in presence of the enemy.

Behind the medal

In 2006, for the first time, theMilitary Cross was awarded to a woman -19 year old Private Michelle Norris. Deservedly so. In the words of her commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel David Labouchere "Private Norris acted completely selflessly and, in the face of great danger, concentrated on her job and saved someone elses life".

And Michelle was undoubtedly gallant in her behaviour. Whilst attending to an injured comrade on patrol in Iraq Michelle came under enemy fire. In her own words "I then heard the crack and a thump of a round going past my head. I was under fire from a sniper..." Read more about Michelle's story at the MOD website here.

Other stories of bravery resulting in the Military Cross can be read in Scott Addington's book 'For Conspicuous Gallantry' available through Amazon.