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.
MACKAY, 2/Lieutenant Donald John Everall ... ... ... ... ... R.E.
LA BASSEE CANAL, 18th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty.
When the enemy was seen massing in force at the head of a pontoon bridge, in
spite of the shelling and machine-gun fire, he and his men swung and sank the
bridge, and then assisted the garrison to man the trenches and repulse the
enemy. Undoubtedly his coolness and resource under most difficult conditions
saved what might have been a serious situation.