Description
Physical description
Medal with two Bars (indicating subsequent awards).
(SEE) OMD 210.
Label
Military Cross (with two Bars) associated with the First World War service of Temporary Second Lieutenant Walter George Bailey. Born in 1890, Walter Bailey volunteered for service in 1914, joining the Middlesex Regiment as a Lance Corporal with the Regimental number F290. He embarked for France on 17 November 1915. He was appointed to a commision with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment on 29 August 1917. Appointed Acting Captain 20 February 1919. Promoted to Lieutenant (Service Battalions) Suffolk Regiment, 1 March 1919. He was Mentioned in Despatches 8 July 1919.
He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty in reforming his men whilst under heavy machine gun fire on 28 March 1918; making several journeys for vital ammunition and bringing in a man lying wounded in the open. The recipient was attached to the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (from 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment) at the time of this action.
The first Bar to his MC was awarded for conspicuous gallantry during an advance beginning 21 August 1918. Over a period of three days he attacked and helped capture four German machine gun posts.
The second Bar was awarded for gallantry in leading his men forward in an attack on 8 October 1918 which led to the clearance of a village and the capture of German prisoners and machine guns.
History note
First World War period MC awarded to Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Walter George Bailey for gallantry and devotion to duty in reforming his men whilst under heavy machinegun fire; making several journeys for vital ammunition and bringing in a man lying wounded in the open. The recipient was attached to the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (from 2nd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment) at the time of this action.
Medal citation: (London Gazette, 26 July 1918) 'T/2nd Lt. Walter George BAILEY, 2nd Bn., Norfolk Regt. attached 2nd Bn., Suffolk Regt. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the line had to be reformed under heavy machine gun fire, this officer moved about, placing men in the best positions. He then made several journeys to an ammuniton dump in front of the line, bringing back ammunition which was much needed. He also brought back a man who was lying wounded in the open. (E. of ARRAS, 28th March 1918).'
History note
Subsequent award (1st bar) : the recipient received a first bar to his Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry during an advance. Over a period of three days he attacked and helped capture four German machine gun posts.
Citation (1st Bar to MC): London Gazette, 29 November 1918, Issue 31043 'T./2nd Lt. Walter George Bailey, M.C., Norf.R., and attd. 2nd Bn. Suff.R. For conspicuous gallantry during an advance. Accompanied by one orderly he rushed a machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of the battalion, and captured 1 officer, 23 men and 2 machine guns. Later in the day he made a reconnaissance under very heavy fire, and brought back information as to the position of the battalion. Two days later, accompanied by his orderly and two other men, he went forward and attacked two enemy machine guns, scattering their crews and killing several. His utter disregard for danger was magnificent.'
History note
Subsequent award (2nd bar) : the recipient received a second bar to his Military Cross for gallantry in leading his men forward in an attack which led to the clearance of a village and the capture of German prisoners and machine guns.
Citation (2nd Bar to MC): London Gazette, 29 July 1919, Issue 31480) 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Seranvillers on October 8th, 1918. He assembled the troops, and afterwards with a few scouts moved forward with the attack. He cleared the village, and, with four men, captured prisoners and machine guns. He reorganised men of the battalion who had lost their companies and then went out and ascertained the enemy's positions under very heavy machine-gun and shell fire. Greatly owing to his gallantry and determined leadership all objectives were gained.'