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.
MANSFIELD, Lieut. Francis Turquand ... ... 171st Tunnelling Co., R.E.
WULVERGHEM MESSINES ROAD, 28th September, 1918. On the evening of 28th
September, he closely followed the infantry patrols and removed 16 tank mines in
face of the enemy under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. The next morning he
removed 44 additional tank mines on the same road. In the subsequent operations
he showed great courage in pushing forward with the infantry patrols, inspecting
bridges and roads and removing unfired demolition charges.