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.
SCRUTTON, Major Alan Edward ... ... 1 /Artists (2nd & 15th Tank Corps)
BAYONVILLERS, 8th August, 1918. This officer showed conspicuous ability and
gallantry.
In order to make certain that his tanks reached their starting-points in good
time, and went into action ahead of the infantry, he went with them to the
starting-point and went into action on foot with the infantry. He afterwards
rallied his tanks at the rirst objective, reorganised them there, and detailed
sections for tasks in the second phase of the operations. In this phase his
tanks encountered heavy resistance from heavy field guns firing over open
sights, but he nevertheless kept in close touch with them throughout, and went
on with them to their final objective, which they reached after overcoming very
formidable resistance at many points on the way. He has at all times shown
remarkable initiative, powers of leadership, and contempt of danger.