Gallantry/Meritorious Service Awards

Some individuals were awarded with a gallantry medal, an award for distinguished or meritorious service or were Mentioned in Despatches for showing special courage or devotion to duty in a particular action or circumstance.

I have managed to obtain a Victoria Cross for my collection of First World War ephemera. 

Here are 3 of the most well know Gallantry awards (I will put up the rest in my next blog post)...

Victoria Cross (V.C.):

This is the highest award for gallantry. It is awarded for an act of outstanding courage or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. All ranks were, and still are, eligible when serving with the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.):

The D.S.O. was originally instituted as an award for officers of the British Army and Commonwealth Forces, usually at the rank of Major. It was, however, also awarded to officers at a rank above or below Major. The D.S.O. could be awarded for an act of meritorious or distinguished service in wartime and usually when under fire or in the presence of the enemy. It was also made available for officers at the equivalent rank in the Royal Navy and, from 1^st April 1918, the Royal Air Force.

Between 1914 and 1916 the D.S.O. was also awarded to some Staff officers when they were not under fire or in contact with the enemy. This was not well received at the time by officers who were in the field.

From 1^st January 1917 it was restricted to recommendations for individuals who were in the presence of the enemy. The award was generally given to an officer in command, but some were awarded to junior officers below the rank of Captain.

Military Cross (M.C.):

Instituted by Royal Warrant on 28^th December 1914.

The Military Cross was a decoration for gallantry during active operations in the presence of the enemy. individuals in the British Army, the Indian Army or the Colonial Forces. Commissioned officers with the rank of Captain or below or Warrant Officer were eligible for the award. From June 1917 officers of the rank of captain but who had a temporary rank of major could receive the award.