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.
WALBY, Capt. Herbert Charles ... ... 4/North Stafford (io/ Yorkshire L.I.)
Near WYTSCHAETE, 25/26 April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty.
When the battalion camp was being shelled and gassed he supervised the movement
of the battalion ; and when the battalion had counter-attacked and penetrated
the enemy's line he went out, and under heavy fire got into touch with isolated
detachments. His coolness and disregard of danger were a fine example to all.
BAR TO M.C.
RABASSA RAIRNE, 28th May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty
throughout operations. When the commanding officer was wounded he took command
of the battalion and held on to the position until almost surrounded. He then
led his men through a narrow gap in the enemy's lines and took up another
position about 500 yards in rear, from which he withdrew later in the day, in
conformity with the troops on his flanks, and occupied some heights with 400 men
collected from various units. He held this position until the withdrawal, when
he led the last party across a river before the bridges were blown up.
Throughout a trying period he showed unfailing courage and good leadership.
The Distinguished Service Order was instituted by Queen Victoria, September
6th, 1886. May be conferred on Commissioned Officers who have been
specially mentioned in despatches for meritorious or distinguished service in
the field or before the enemy. Bars may be added for additional acts of
gallantry. Since August 1st, 1918, this Order has been awarded in respect of
active service for "services in action " only, i.e., for service under fire or
for distinguished individual service in connection with air-raids, bombardments
or other enemy action.
WALBY, Capt. Herbert Charles, M.C, ... 4/North Staffordshire (9/Yorkshire L.I.)
HENDECOURT, 9th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. He
led the support company and eventually came up with the leading waves and took
the objective, where he reorganised his men under very heavy fire. In a second
attack later in the day his fine example inspired those under him, and when the
enemy counter-attacked he personally led forward two platoons to a position from
which he could bring fire to bear on them. [7297