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.
HILL, 2/Lieutenant Joseph Shirley ... ... ... ... ... R.F.A.
Near MONCHY-LE-PREUX, 17th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty under very heavy shell fire. A shell burst at the mouth of his telephone
pit, killing a major and wounding him and another officer. He extricated
himself, and although wounded in five places, succeeded in digging the officer
out. He then carried him on a stretcher, with the aid of a bombardier, to the
dressing station, through a very heavily shelled area, before having his own
wounds dressed.