3rd Battalion (Special Reserve), Manchester Regiment attached 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment.

Awarded the Distinguished Service Order in the London Gazette of 2 April 1919 (citation 10 December 1919). Awarded the Military Cross in the London Gazette of 22 April 1918. Awarded a bar to his Military Cross in the London Gazette of 11 January 1919. Awarded a second bar to his Military Cross in the London Gazette of 15 February 1919.

Although not yet traced Kay may have also been awarded the Belgian or French Croix de Guerre.

The citation for his Distinguished Service Order appears in the London Gazette as above and reads, "On 4th November, 1918, during the attack on the Oise-Sambre Canal, he displayed marked courage and leadership when, his battalion was temporarily held up. Under intense machine gun fire he went back to brigade headquarters and reported the situation. Later, his leadership materially contributed to the success of the day's operations."

The citation for his Military Cross appears in the London Gazette as above and reads, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He reconnoitered the enemies' forward positions in bright moonlight and obtained valuable information. On the following night he led a raiding party into the enemy's line with great gallantry under fire. By his skillful leadership he saved many casualties and inspired all ranks with confidence by his personal example."

The citation for the bar to his Military Cross appears in the London Gazette as above and reads, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance on a village, this officer, when the situation was obscure, went along the various companies and gained useful information. He also personally reconnoitered the enemy position under heavy fire, bringing in useful intelligence. Throughout he displayed tireless energy and complete disregard of danger."

The recommendation for the award of Kay's second bar is as follows, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at JONCOURT on October 2nd, 1918. He supervised the forming up of the Battalion prior to zero hour under very heavy shell fire and encouraged the men by his calm collected manner. Later, when the Battalion had suffered very heavy casualties, and owing to the number of officer casualties, the situation was obscure, this officer went out and reconnoitered the whole line and brought back exact dispositions and valuable information which led to new dispositions with a view to holding the line. In the evening he again led forward the Ration parties to the new line. It was entirely due to his personal energy and zeal that the rations were delivered intact. The cool gallantry and devotion to duty shown by this officer throughout the operation was an example to all and the cause of the cheerfulness with which many hardships were faced by all ranks". Lieut. Colonel, Commanding 2nd. Battalion The Manchester Regiment. (Handwritten name unreadable).

The above recommendation is in the possession of Barney Scott, grandson of the above William Kay.