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.
IRELAND, 2/Lieutenant Ernest Pinnock ... ... ... ... ... Tank Corps
Near ST. JULIEN, 22nd August, 1917. When acting in support of another officer,
the tank commanded by the latter became ditched, whereupon 2/Lieutenant Ireland
attempted to tow it out with his own, but got ditched in the attempt. He
unditched his own tank and brought all the wounded and the guns of both tanks
safely out of action, although while doIng so his tank was put out of action by
shell fire. During the whole of this time he was under heavy shell and
machine-gun fire. He showed great gallantry and fearlessness.