Medal & Mortality index
The Military Cross was instituted as a Decoration on December 28th, 1914, to
reward Distinguished Services rendered by Officers of certain ranks in the army
in time of war. Bars may be added for additional acts of gallantry. Since August
1st, 1918, it has, like the D.S.O., been awarded for "services in action" only.
BALL, 2/Lieutenant Gerald Harman .... ... ... ... Machine Gun Corps
ARLEUX, 19th February, 1918. He was in command of a machine gun post which the
enemy attempted to raid under cover of an intense bombardment. His machine gun
was put out of action by a shell, and the enemy succeeded in entering the
trench. He at once engaged them, and after severe hand-to-hand fighting drove
them out without any casualties
among his own men. He handled a very awkward situation with the greatest
coolness and
courage.