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.
Charles James Graham was born on 28 November 1885 and was educated at Clifton
College. He enlisted in the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps in September
1915, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, London
Regiment, in June 1916. He served with the Londons during the Great War on the
Western Front from 1916, and as Intelligence Officer to Brigadier-General
Bernard Freyberg, 173rd (3/1st London) Infantry Brigade. Advanced Captain, he
was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, and twice awarded
the Military Cross prior to his demobilization in June 1919. During the Second
World War he served with 70th (H.A.A.) Cadet Regiment, Royal Artillery, at
Liverpool, and was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Commander-in-Chief,
Western Command.
An excellent Divisional band was formed, and their good services were added
to early in December by the creation of a Divisional concert troop "The Goods."
Not to be left behind in these achievements the 2/4th Londons formed their own
concert party, called for some not too obvious reason " The Tanks," which
afforded excellent entertainments under the able direction of 2/Lieuts. T. J.
Bell and C. J. Graham, who were assisted by Pipe-Major Ling, Corporal Wilkinson,
L./Corporals Smith, Ringrose and Hardy, and Pte. Rosenbloom.
In the latter part of January 1917 the long awaited order arrived for the 58th
Division to proceed overseas.
2/Lieut. C. J. Graham.
In February 1917 the Battalion was unfortunate in losing 2/Lieut. C. J. Graham,
who joined Brigade Headquarters as Intelligence Officer. He filled this
appointment with great success until March 1918, when he was appointed Brigade
Major in the 47th Division. He was decorated with the D.S.O. and the M.C. with
Bar.
Military Cross
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) C. J. Graham ; London Gazette 1. 1.18
Bar to Military Cross
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. ; London Gazette 26. 7.18
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while acting as Brigade Major.
On more than one occasion he rallied disorganised troops and led them forward to
the counter-attack. He went out under a heavy barrage on the carrier of a motor
bicycle to ascertain the situation, and twice while guiding another unit into
position for attack he went forward alone to identify men seen working in front,
each time returning under sharp fire.’
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. ; London Gazette 30.12.18
Distinguished Service Order
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. , London Gazette 11. 1.19
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During two days’ hard fighting
he was untiring in his efforts in reconnoitring the front of two brigades, and
the information he was able to procure of the absence of the enemy in certain
strong points was of the greatest value. He was continually exposed to heavy
machine-gun and sniping fire, and his coolness and presence of mind were
admirable.’