Military Cross awarded to Captain Newton Williams, South Persia Rifles, for his conduct at Abadeh, June-July 1918

Silver cross with obverse decorated with imperial crowns and royal cypher for King George V in the centre, with white and purple ribbon.

Williams was Mentioned in Despatches by Brigadier-General Sir Percy Sykes on 20 August 1918 and awarded the Military Cross:

'For untiring devotion to duty and good work during the siege of Abadeh June 28th to July 17th 1918. This officer made a gallant reconnaissance on 29th June to positions in Abadeh town occupied by the enemy. He also showed capacity in his handling and subsequent disarmament of 200 men of the 3rd Infantry South Persia Rifles'.

The Military Cross is a gallantry medal awarded for 'Awarded for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land'. During World War One (1914-1918) the award was restricted to captains or officers of lower rank up to warrant officer.