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.
McCARTHY, 2/Lieutenant Thaddeus Francis ... ... 4/Loyal North Lancashire
WESTHOEK RIDGE, l0th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty.
When in charge of the battalion carrying and ration parties he carried out his
work with the greatest coolness and ability, and although by reason of the heavy
shell fire it was of a most arduous and dangerous nature it was due to his
exertions and personal supervision that rations arrived regularly. On another
occasion during an attack he led his men forward with great coolness, setting a
fine example to those around him. He afterwards took over and reorganised
another company whose officers had all become casualties.