Military Cross, Lieutenant John Bonamy Rhys Challen, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment)

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

John Bonamy Rhys Challen (1895-1966) enlisted in London in 1915, aged 19. He was wounded at Cambrai on the Western Front in 1917. Challen was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in September 1918, during the Salonika campaign.

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 collection of medals, ribbons, ribbon bars and badges, awarded to Lieutenant John Bonamy Rhys Challen MC (1895-1966), The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment).