Military Cross awarded to Surgeon Lieutenant Charles Edward Leake. The ‘London Gazette’ citation 11 January 1919 reads as follows: ‘T/Surgeon Charles Edward Leake, RN, attd. Hawke Btn., R.N D. RNVR. He was with the battalion during six days’ incessant fighting and displayed untiring devotion to duty dressing the wounded under constant fire. His gallantry and coolness were a splendid example, and inspired the stretcher-bearers under his command to great efforts to evacuate all the wounded, which was accomplished with admirable care.’ ‘London Gazette’ 11 January 1919, p. 629.

Bar: ‘During the operations of the 27/29th September 1918. He carried out his duties with untiring energy and total disregard for personal safety. On many occasions he displayed admiral coolness under heavy fire, and succeeded in establishing his regimental aid-post in the most advanced positions, where he attended the wounded of all battalions. His work was of the highest order.’ ‘London Gazette’ 10 Dec 1919 p.15302

The Military Cross is a silver cross with a crown pointing outwards on each arm. In the centre is the Royal Cypher. The cross hangs from a plain bar through which the ribbon passes. The ribbon is white with a purple stripe and is fitted with a bar for second award gazetted 2 April 1919.

The medal was instituted in December 1914 as a reward for gallantry for officers of the rank of Captain and below and for warrant officers.