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.
BENNETT, 2/Lieutenant Eugene Paul ... ... ... ... 2/Worcestershire
Awarded 1st January, 1916.
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
BENNETT, Lieut. Eugene Paul, M.C. 2/Worcester
Near LE TRANSLOY, FRANCE, 5th November, 1916. For most conspicuous bravery in
action when in command of the second wave of the attack. Finding that the first
wave had suffered heavy casualties, its commander killed and the line wavering,
Lieut. Bennett advanced at the head of the second wave, and by his personal
example of valour and resolution reached his objective with but sixty men.
Isolated with his small party, he at once took steps to consolidate his position
under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, and, although wounded,
he remained in command directing and controlling. He set an example of
cheerfulness and resolution beyond all praise, and there is little doubt that
but for his personal example of courage the attack would have been checked at
the outset.
[Reg. No. 1253. Gazetted 1st January, 1916]