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.
University of London Officers Training Corps index
- former cadet.
Ball, Capt. James Arthur Ernest, R.E, : B.A,, Belfast,* F, Feb, 1916 to November
1918 : M.C.
MILITARY CROSS :
BALL, Temp. Capt, James Arthur Ernest, R,E, ? For conspicuous gallantry and
devotion to duty whilst acting as liaison officer between batteries on railway
mountings and railway troops. Having received orders, during an enemy attack, to
evacuate a gun, and finding the track badly broken by shell fire, he started a
detachment of a railway battalion to repair the breaks. He then proceeded
forward, and on his return found that, owing to heavy shell fire, the detachment
had taken cover. Realising the absolute necessity of saving the gun, he induced
the detachment to continue the work, remaining with and encouraging them until
the track was in running order. He set a magnificent example of courage and
devotion to duty. — Gazette, 26 July 1918.