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Memorial Cross

A silver Greek cross suspended to a purple ribbon through a small ring. A laurel wreath under the arms of the cross. A cypher is at the intersection of the cross' arms. A crown at the end of the top arm, 3 maple leaves at the end of the other arms.

Silver Cross
Ca. 1920. Capt. Michael O’Leary Collection.

The Memorial Cross was instituted in 1919, and was intended for female next-of-kin, hence the more popular name, “Mothers’ Cross.” It was the medal that nobody wanted. In the shape of a Greek cross with the royal cypher centered and maple leaves at the end of each arm, this medal was a Canadian award. Accompanied by a card with the signature of the Canadian Minister of Militia, 58,500 Silver Crosses were issued in the 1920s and mailed to Canadian mothers who lost their sons or widows who lost their husbands in the war.