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.
WILSON, Lieut. John Baxenden ... ... ... 5/Northumberland Fusiliers
Near PASSCHENDAELE, 18th December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion
to duty. On hearing his posts being engaged by the enemy he immediately
proceeded to the scene of action, and found that his men had captured an
officer, thirteen other ranks and a machine gun. Hearing that there was
apparently another machine gun out in "No Man's Land," he organised a patrol,
and succeeded in finding and bringing back three other machine guns. On the
following night he again patrolled " No Man's Land" to try and find other
machine guns, which were said to be there. Throughout this period he performed
continual acts of courage and coolness under fire.