Military Cross, Captain Charles Gordon Dowding, 87th Punjabis, 1917

Silver cross with obverse decorated with imperial crowns and royal cypher for King George V in the centre, with white and purple ribbon. The medal is inscribed on the reverse with date range '1915-17' with the recipient's name, unit, and date of death, 'C.G. Dowding. Capt 87th Punjabis Brigade Signalling Officer 1st East African Brigade Novr 17th 1917'.

During World War One (1914-1918) Dowding was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross for his actions in the East African campaign. He died of his wounds on 17 November 1917, aged 28. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records the burial of Captain (Brigade Major) Dowding at Dar-Es-Salaam War Cemetery in Tanzania.

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.

From a medal group awarded to Captain Charles Gordon Dowding, 87th Punjabis.