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.
PEAL, Lieut. Arthur Francis Henry ... 5/York & Lancaster (148th T.M.B.)
YPRES, 28/29 June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in
charge of two mortars which were taken out into "No Man's Land" during a raid on
the enemy's trenches. Immediately the operation started enemy shelling became
heavy, together with rifle and machine-gun fire ; -and soon afterwards one
mortar became useless owing to a damaged striker. He personally remedied the
defect and brought the mortar into action again immediately. By his fine example
of coolness and determination he kept his mortars firing exactly to time, each
of which expended 80 rounds.
BAR TO M.C.
HASPRES, 13th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry in action whilst in
command of the trench mortar section. He worked his gun forward with the
greatest courage and determination, covering the advance of the leading
companies, and later, when the enemy counter-attacked, although portions of the
gun mountings were missing through casualties, he continued to fire the mortars
until forced to withdraw.