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.
BAYZAND, 2/Lieutenant Geoffrey ... ... ... ... ... Coldstream Guards
Near HOUTHOULST FOREST, 9th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and
devotion to duty when in charge of the battalion forward party advancing in rear
of the leading battalion. Later, he was in charge of all carrying parties, and
successfully brought up material and water in spite of continuous shelling and
the almost impassable condition of the ground. Fresh carrying parties were
detailed each time, but he took charge of each one.
BAR TO M.C.
S. of GAVRELLE, 27/28 February, 1918. When in command of a party raiding the
enemy trenches, he led his men close up under our barrage, which had the effect
of avoiding casualties to his party and of surprising the enemy to a far greater
degree than otherwise would have been the case. He showed fine judgment in
deciding when the object of the raid had been attained and in ordering the
withdrawal at the earliest possible moment, he himself being the last to return
to our trenches. His courage, powers of leadership, and ability were beyond all
praise, and contributed largely to the initial success of the raid.