GREAT WAR GALLANTRY June 1918

Throughout the First World War, the many announcements of British and Commonwealth gallantry awards appeared in the various issues of The London Gazette. As part of our major monthly series covering the period of the Great War commemorations, we examine some of the actions involved and summarise all of the awards announced in June 1918.

One of the 101 VCs listed in June 1918 was that to Acting Lance Corporal Arthur Henry Cross. Cross was serving with 121 Company, 40th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, as part of 40th Division at Ervillers, approximately four miles north of Bapaume, when his unit was called forward on 21 March 1918 to help stem the German advance: ‘L./Cpl. Cross volunteered to make a reconnaissance of the position of two machine guns which had been captured by the enemy, he advanced single-handed to the enemy trench and with his revolver, forced seven of the enemy to surrender and carry the machine guns with their tripods and ammunition to our lines. He then handed over his prisoners, collected teams for his guns which he brought into action with exceptional dash and skill, annihilating a very heavy attack by the enemy. It is impossible to speak too highly of the extreme gallantry, initiative and dash displayed by this N.C.O., who showed throughout four days of operations supreme devotion to duty.’ Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the MGC; Corporal Cross’ is the only one accompanied by another British gallantry award, in this case the MM.

As can be seen in the list, the month of June 1918 was a busy one in terms of the announcement of gallantry awards.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers