The Military Cross

Prior to the Great War, the normal distinctions available to the Army for gallantry in action were the VC, DSO and DCM. Following creation of the DSC, for award to junior officers of the Navy, the Military Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant on 28 December 1914; the announcement appearing in the London Gazette of 1 January 1915.

The third rule governing awards of the cross stated that officers above the rank of Captain would be ineligible for receipt of the award and originally the award was made for distinguished and meritorious services. This wording led to a number of awards being made for services behind the lines in circumstances that could not be regarded as under fire. On 1 January 1917 instructions were given to all commanders in the field that the DSO, MC and DCM should, as far as possible, be restricted to the "fighting services".

A revised Royal Warrant was signed on 23 August 1916 deeming that subsequent acts of gallantry which would have merited the award of a second Military Cross would be denoted by the award of a Bar to be worn on the ribbon of the previous award; the only award of a second MC to a member of the RFC was to Capt A A B Thomson whose 2nd MC was commuted to a Bar on 9 September 1916.

In June 1917 the award was extended to acting and temporary Majors not above the substantive rank of Captain. On 1 August 1918 the recommendation that the DSO, MC and DCM should in future be award for services in action was generally notified.

The cross hangs from a white ribbon, 1 inch wide with a 1/2 inch central purple stripe. As with most other awards, the cross was issued unnamed although the reverse of some medals were unofficially engraved with varying details of the recipient.

As with the DSO, the MC could be announced in a half-yearly list without citation, appear in the London Gazette with any accompanying citation or be announced in the Gazette with the citation appearing at a later date in a "Deeds Supplement".

All awards of the MC can be verified from the London Gazette with the exception of some awards made to foreigners. During the Great War many of the early awards and those given for service over a period do not have citations. From late 1917 onwards, the award and citation are frequently separated.

It is recorded that 2,885 Military Crosses were awarded to aviation personnel, together with 294 Bars and 16 Second Bars.

Awards of the Military Cross to Members Of The Australian Flying Corps

AUSTIN, Lieutenant Ronald Albert; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 26 March 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 7 August 1918, London Gazette Citation 24 August 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 12 December 1918: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was one of two pilots who carried out a remarkable series of photographs in one flight, which covered an area of 45 square miles. On an earlier occasion he alone had photographed in the completest detail an area of so square miles, in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. During recent operations he has led all important bombing raids, and his skill and gallantry have been largely responsible for the excellent results attained. Previous to this he had landed in enemy territory and rescued another pilot who had been forced to land through engine trouble.

BAILLIEU, 2nd Lieutenant Reginald Francis; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; 11 May 1917: Accompanied by his observer, he descended to the rescue of a pilot who had been forced to land and who had set his machine on fire. He landed safely on difficult ground, and, in spite of the close proximity of the enemy, succeeded in rescuing the pilot and carrying off his two passengers under a close and heavy rifle fire.

BASSETT, Lt Walter Eric; Australian Flying Corps; London Gazette 25 November 1916, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 19 April 1917:

BROWN, Lieutenant Clifford Le Brun; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 11 April 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 30 August 1918:

COATES, Lieutenant William Alexander; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 11 April 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 30 August 1918:

COLE, 2nd Lieutenant Adrian Trevor; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 16 August 1917, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 20 December 1917: With another officer he attacked and disorganised six machines that were about to attack our cavalry with bombs. The engagement was continued until all six machines were forced to return to their lines. His skill and courage on all have been worthy of the greatest praise.

DUIGAN, Captain John Robertson; Australian Flying Corps; No 3 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 16 September 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 4 February 1919: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as F.O.O. For two days during an exceptionally heavy bombardment he kept touch with the battery, forwarding valuable information about the tactical situation, and during the night enabling fire to be brought to bear on bodies of the enemy massing for attack and on hostile batteries in action.

ELLIS, Lieutenant Albert William Leslie; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 1 January 1918; Commonwelath of Australia Gazette 18 April 1918:

FRASER, Lieutenant Harold Livingstone; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 11 April 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 30 August 1918:

GORDON, Lieutenant John Rutherford; Australian Flying Corps attached Royal Flying Corps; No 62 Sqn; London Gazette 22 June 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918: An observer on an offensive patrol he shot down and destroyed three hostile machines. Previous to this he had shot down two enemy triplanes, one of which crashed to the ground in flames. He has also effectively and repeatedly scattered massed bodies of enemy troops by accurate shooting from a height of 100 feet. His skill and daring have been of the highest order.

HOLDEN, Lieutenant Leslie Hubert; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: While on a special mission he dropped a bomb direct on a support trench full of the enemy, causing them to scatter, and another bomb upon a strong point which was holding up our advance. He also bombed a large group of enemy infantry and turned his machine-gun on them from a height of 100 feet. He rendered very valuable service throughout the operations.

HOWARD, Lieutenant Richard Watson; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: While separated from his patrol owing to thick mist he drove down an enemy aeroplane out of control. He then engaged a hostile two-seater, which he forced to land in our lines. On another occasion, though attacked at a height of 400 feet by an enemy two-seater, he manoeuvred, shot the observer, and caused the hostile machine to land, apparently in difficulties, but intact. He has consistently done excellent work at very low altitudes.

HUXLEY, Lieutenant Frederick George; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: He dropped a bomb upon a gun which was being moved to the rear, damaging it and killing three horses, and another bomb on a wagon, which was blown over, two of the personnel and one of the horses being killed. He then engaged a body of 300 troops marching along a road, and scattered them, causing 14 casualties. Later, having disorganised a large advance party of enemy infantry with bombs and machine-gun fire, he shot down an enemy scout. He is a very keen and daring pilot.

MURRAY-JONES, Captain Alan; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 26 April 1917, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 21 August 1917: When carrying out a raid on a hostile aerodrome he descended to a height of 200 feet under very heavy fire and destroyed two hangars. On another occasion he flew for a total of nine hours and 20 minutes in search of two officers who were lost.

JONES, Captain Ernest James DFC; Australian Flying Corps; No 3 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 16 September 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 4 February 1919: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While co-operating with artillery, he was attacked by three triplanes. He was wounded and the controls of his machine damaged. He out-manoeuvred the enemy, reported his observations to his battery by wireless, and returned to his aerodrome. On landing, owing to the damage to his machine, he crashed, but although much weakened by loss of blood, extricated his observer from the wreckage. On another occasion while on photography he was attacked by six triplanes. One of these his observer shot down out of control, while the remainder were forced to withdraw. He then continued his work. At all times he has set a very fine example of courage and determination.

LEE, Lieutenant Oliver Matthew; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 11 April 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 30 August 1918:

MALLEY, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Garnet Francis; Australian Flying Corps attached Royal Flying Corps; No 4 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 22 June 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918: When on offensive and low-flying patrol he attacked one of two hostile scouts, which eventually turned over and fell out of control, being seen to crash by another pilot. Later, a general engagement ensued with four enemy scouts, one of which he attacked, with the result that it fell completely out of control and crashed. Prior to this occasion he had also shot down out of control another hostile machine. His courage and able leadership have resulted in his patrol carrying out excellent work under the most adverse conditions.

MALONE, Lieutenant James Joseph; Australian Flying Corps; No 3 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 1 January 1919, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 23 May 1919:

McCLOUGHRY (McCLAUGHRY), 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Wilfred Ashton; Australian Flying Corps attached Royal Flying Corps; London Gazette 18 July 1917, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 8 November 1917: On many occasions he has displayed the highest courage and skill in successfully bombing stations and trains, often at very low altitudes, and has always given a fine example of energy and determination.

McKENZIE, Lieutenant Robert William; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 13 May 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 24 October 1918: As a result of engaging hostile aircraft during four months, he on four occasions has destroyed a total of four hostile machines. He has also carried out numerous low-flying reconaissances, in which he has bombed and engaged with machine-gun fire enemy formations. He has at all times displayed marked determination and devotion to duty.

PETRE, Captain Henry Aloysuis; Australian Flying Corps; Mesopotamian Half Flight; London Gazette 14 January 1916, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 6 April 1916:

PHILLIPS, Captain Roy Cecil; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: He has performed continuous gallant work at very low altitudes in almost impossible weather. Whilst flying alone in a mist he forced an enemy aeroplane to land. On two occasions, flying at an altitude of 200 feet, he made very valuable reconnaissances, and his reports on the general situation were of the greatest value. His leadership is excellent, and he has set a high example to his flight.

ROBERTSON, Lieutenant Albert Ernest; Australian Flying Corps attached Royal Flying Corps; No 4 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 22 June 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918: When carrying out a low-flying bombing patrol, be observed a hostile triplane, accompanied by three scouts. He fired burst of 30 rounds at very close range, and the hostile plane turned over onto its side and crashed. Then, seeing an enemy scout below him, he fired 20 rounds into its cockpit, and it fell down vertically out of control. In addition to these, he has shot down one other enemy machine, which finally crashed to earth. His dash and daring have been at all times most marked.

SCOTT, Lieutenant Francis James; Australian Flying Corps attached Royal Flying Corps; No 4 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 22 June 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918: After carrying out a bombing attack, he observed an enemy plane, into which he fired 80 rounds. The hostile plane turned onto its back and crashed to earth. Four days previous to this he had destroyed an enemy two-seater machine, and had sent down out of control a hostile scout. In addition to these, he has destroyed another hostile two-seater machine. He has displayed marked courage and determination.

SMITH, Lieutenant Ross Macpherson; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; 11 May 1917: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when his pilot descended to the rescue of an officer who had been forced to land. On landing he held the enemy at bay with his revolver, thus enabling his pilot to rescue the officer and to safely fly away his machine.

SUTHERLAND, Lieutenant Leslie William; Australian Flying Corps; 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 18 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 25 July 1918, London Gazette Citation 18 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 12 December 1918: He continually carried out difficult reconnaissances and brought in most valuable reports though he was often attacked by hostile aeroplanes. He showed the greatest Initiative and determination.

TAYLOR, Lieutenant Harry; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: Whilst he was engaging enemy troops his machine was shot down and crashed in the open. On crawling out of his machine, he was fired upon by enemy snipers, whom he engaged with a rifle, which he had picked up. He eventually made his way back to one of our patrols, carrying a badly wounded man whom he had discovered on the way. On a later occasion, when flying at 1,500 feet, he engaged an enemy two-seater, which dived steeply to the ground and crashed. He is a clever and daring pilot, and is always ready to perform any kind of duty.

TUNBRIDGE, 2nd Lieutenant John Vincent; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 1 January 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 18 April 1918:

WILSON, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Gordon Campbell DCM; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 4 February 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 June 1918, London Gazette Citation 5 July 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 27 November 1918: His work at very low altitudes under very adverse conditions has been of the greatest value. On one occasion he scattered the enemy from a strong point with his machine-gun. On another occasion he bombed and fired upon a field gun, killing two gunners. Despite the constant attacked of enemy scouts he held his formation together, which was out on a bombing raid, and enabled it to drop all its bombs on the objectives, an enemy aeroplane being also driven down. His dashing leadership has been a splendid example to his flight.

WINTER-IRVING, Captain Stanhope Irving; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 18 January 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 24 September 1918, Citation 25 April 1918: When acting as escort during a reconnaissance he repeatedly attacked and drove off single-handed a formation of three enemy aeroplanes, thereby enabling a most valuable reconnaissance to be made.

Awarded A Bar To The Military Cross

PHILLIPS, Captain Roy Cecil MC; Australian Flying Corps; No 2 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 22 June 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1918: When engaged with hostile aircraft during the recent operations he has destroyed three enemy machines, and has in addition brought down two hostile planes out of control. He has also brought back accurate and valuable information regarding hostile movements under the most adverse conditions, particularly on one occasion, when he flew through a heavy barrage at a low altitude behind the enemy's lines. He has shown conspicuous skill and determination when escorting low-flying bombing patrols.

SMITH, Lieutenant Ross Macpherson MC; Australian Flying Corps; No 1 Sqn AFC; London Gazette 26 March 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 7 August 1918, London Gazette Citation 24 August 1918, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Citation 12 December 1918: He was one of two pilots who carried out a remarkable series of photographs in one flight, completely covering an important area of 45 square miles. On a later occasion he successfully bombed an important bridge head from a low altitude, and his work throughout as well as his photography has been invaluable and characterised by the most consistent gallantry.

Military Cross listing and Military Cross introduction courtesy of Graeme Neale. John Duigans Citation courtesy of Gordon Branch. Military Cross and Ribbon image courtesy of Medals of the World.