The British Military Cross was instituted on 28 December 1914 as a means of formally recognizing the courage of junior officers during wartime (officially for "gallantry in the field" for Captains and below).
The 1914-15 Star was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain. To be eligible for the award of the medal, a member must have served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war during the relevant dates of operations in that theatre.
The British War Medal could be awarded to all officers and men of British and Imperial forces who had served for a prescribed period during any stage of the war, or who had died on active service before the completion of this period. Eligibility for the award of the medal was subsequently extended to cover service in 1919 and 1920 in mine-clearing at sea as well as participation in operations in North and South Russia, the eastern Baltic region, Siberia, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
The Victory Medal (with M.I.D.) issued within the British Empire as a result of an international agreement at the Inter-allied Peace Conference immediately preceding the Treaty of Versailles.
M.I.D. Those personnel "Mentioned in Despatches" between 4 August 1914 and 10 August 1920 wear an oak leaf on the medal's ribbon.
Pip, Squeak and Wilfred
After the First World War 1914-18, the above three medals were awarded to most of the British servicemen that had served from 1914 or 1915. They were irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred and are still so today.
A member of the armed forces mentioned in dispatches (or despatches, MiD) is one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described his or her gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.
MEDAL INDEX CARDS
Showing isue of medals to C.F. Drew RAMC
National Archives UK (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)
SUPPLEMENT to THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1 JANUARY, 1919. 25
AWARDED THE MILITARY CBOSS.
T./Capt. Charles Francis Drew, M.B., No. 9
Fd. Amb., R.A.M.C.
