Medal & Mortality index
The Military Cross was instituted as a Decoration on December 28th, 1914, to
reward Distinguished Services rendered by Officers of certain ranks in the army
in time of war. Bars may be added for additional acts of gallantry. Since August
1st, 1918, it has, like the D.S.O., been awarded for "services in action" only.
GIFFORD, 2/Lieutenant William Douglas Gowthorp ... ... ... 4/York & Lancaster
Near RANSART, 17/18 February, 1917. He personally conducted the raiding parties
back to the supporting troops, and, on hearing that one group had not returned,
he went back, found it, and let it back through the gap. He previously carried
out several daring reconnaissances of the enemy's position.
BAR TO M.C.
NEUVE EGLISE, 13th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty
during a counter-attack which repulsed the enemy from a village. He personally
killed seven and wounded four of the enemy, and with his small party he captured
four enemy machine guns and fifty-one prisoners. He did very fine service.