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.
HOPLEY, Lieut. William Arnold ... ... ... ... 3/Royal Warwick
MESSINES, 10th to 19th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty.
During ten days' operations, when in command of two light trench mortars, he was
frequently under the heaviest fire of all descriptions. On all occasions he set
a fine example of courage and devotion to duty to his men, and his dispositions
were marked by skill and ability. On one occasion, when both his mortars were
buried and his detachment had been reduced to a quarter of their effective
strength, he nevertheless managed to bring the mortars into action
again and inflicted severe casualties on the enemy.