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.
MESSOM, 2/Lieutenant Harold .... ... ... ... ... 2/Royal West Surrey
In the London Gazette of 23d June, 1915, an award of M.C., intended for
2/Lieutenant Messom, who had been mentioned in Despatches, for gallant conduct
in February 1915, was by a clerical error published in the name of another
officer in his Regiment of very similar name. On the mistake being discovered,
that notification was cancelled . But in the meantime 2/Lieutenant Messom had
been killed in action, and it is understood that the error could not be further
rectified as at that date posthumous awards (except of V.C.) were inadmissible.
ED.