Military Cross

Ornamental silver cross with straight arms terminating in broad filials, suspended from a plain suspension bar. The ribbon width is 32 mm and consists of three equal vertical moire stripes of white, purple, and white. Obverse: decorated with imperial crowns, with the Royal Cypher in centre. Reverse Inscribed: Private ER Shelley 3rd Battallion AIF 9th April 1917. The Militry Cross is awarded for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land, to captains or officers of lower rank up to warrant officers. Eric Ralph Shelley (TKS 1902-09) His citation reads " on the 16th April 1917 Lieutenant Shelley was in charge of his platoon in the assault. He showed great skill and set a splendid example to his men. By his fine leadership by pushng his men up on the flanks two strong enemy posts were taken, the garrison being killed or taken prisoners at very small loss to his own platoon."