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.
BESSANT, 2/Lieutenant John Archibald ... ... ... ... ... ... R.E.
LEIPZIG SALIENT, 21st August, 1916. He laid out and superintended the
construction of 250 yards of communication trench up to the captured enemy
trenches. He got the work completed by daylight. The whole work was carried out
under heavy shell fire.'