Medal & Mortality index
The Distinguished Service Order was instituted by Queen Victoria, September
6th, 1886. May be conferred on Commissioned Officers who have been
specially mentioned in despatches for meritorious or distinguished service in
the field or before the enemy. Bars may be added for additional acts of
gallantry. Since August 1st, 1918, this Order has been awarded in respect of
active service for "services in action " only, i.e., for service under fire or
for distinguished individual service in connection with air-raids, bombardments
or other enemy action.
EDWARDS, 2/Lieutenant Cyril George ... ............ ... 7/ West Yorkshire
REINCOURT, 27th July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
Having gone out with a N.C.O. to reconnoitre the enemy's wire, they were
attacked by bombs. The first one he seized before it exploded and threw it back,
and, when the second fell, realising that they could not both escape unharmed,
he threw his legs over it to smother the explosion, and thus protected the
N.C.O. By this splendid act of gallantry and self-sacrifice he saved the life of
his comrade at the risk of his own. The N.C.O. was able to drag him back to our
lines, where he showed great pluck in reporting the information which he had
gained by his daring reconnaissance. [4804