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.
PURVES, 2/Lieutenant John Murdow ... ... ... ... ... R.F.A.
Near LANGEMARCKE, 16th August, 1917. When laying forward cables this officer and
his party were confronted with a very heavy hostile barrage and intense
machine-gun fire. With great determination he pushed on with four men and
succeeded in getting his telephone lines across a river. His personal courage
and perseverance set a splendid example to his party, and it was entirely due to
his disregard of his own safety that the work was successfully carried out, the
party being under heavy fire all the time. He was severely wounded whilst
engaged on this duty.