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.
BELL, Capt. David Cockburn ... ... ... ...9/Middlesex (R.F.C.)
In ITALY, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on
observation duty, together with another officer, in a balloon, which was set on
fire by an enemy machine, he remained in the burning balloon endeavouring at
very great risk to himself to get his companion, who had been rendered
insensible by a bullet wound in the head, overboard in his parachute. Being
unable to do this, he was compelled to abandon his companion, whose death was
subsequently found to have been due to the bullet wound, and to jump from the
burning balloon.