The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first instituted by Order-in-Council 2374, dated December 1, 1919. It was awarded to mothers and widows (next of kin) of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty.
The crosses were sent automatically to mothers and wives who qualified, and could be worn by the recipients anytime, even though they were not themselves veterans. The cross was engraved with the name, rank and service number of the son or husband.
The Memorial Cross is in the form of a cross pattee, in silver, suspended by a bar brooch, although prior to 1945 it was suspended from a light purple ribbon 11 mm wide. At the end of the upright is a crown and at the foot and the end of either arm, a maple leaf. In the centre, within a wreath of laurel, is the royal cypher of the reigning monarch: GRI for King George the Fifth, GVIR for King George the Sixth, or EIIR for Elizabeth the Second. The reverse of the Cross is engraved with the name and service number of the individual commemorated.