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.
BREWER, Capt. Charles Herbert ... 2/Bedfordshire (R.A.F.)
In FRANCE, 10/11 March, 1918. He set out to make a special railway
reconnaissance, and though the weather conditions became very bad he continued
his task with the greatest determination. His engine began to fail when he was a
long distance over the enemy's lines.
By skilful piloting he succeeded in crossing the enemy's trenches, but the
machine crashed in "No Man's Land," and turned completely over. Heavy
machine-gun fire was opened by the enemy, and though his jaw was broken he
extricated the observer, who was pinned under the machine and was unconscious,
and dragged him to a shell-hole in the face of the enemy's fire. He showed
splendid courage and resource.