Award DCM Sjt. Arthur Clifford CROSS, 1st Bn The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Irish)

brithm · May 14, 2023

Award Distinguished Conduct Medal Sjt. Arthur Clifford Cross 1st Bn The Royal Irish Fusiliers, 38th (Irish Brigade, 78th Division (7047042)

On the 29th May 1944 1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers advanced towards the STRANGOLAGALLI Ridge and the leading company found the road and a village area to be heavily mined with teller mines and anti-personnel mines. The forward company became pinned by enemy fire and found progress impossible without the aid of tanks.

Sjt. Cross with his Pioneer Platoon at once moved forward to this area and proceeded to clear a rack through the minefield. While carrying out this work the Pioneers came under intense mortar and accurate enemy sniping. In spite of three casualties Sjt. Cross coolly continued with his task until a track was cleared for the tanks to go through. Later in the evening a deep ditch prevented any form of tracked or wheeled vehicle from reaching the forward companies. Again under heavy fire Sjt Cross assiduously went to work to make the route passable and completed a track up an exposed slope to the forward positions.

By his doggedness and complete disregard for his own safety throughout the day Sjt Cross undoubtedly made both the taking and the consolidation of the objective possible. He showed patience, devotion to duty and courage of an outstanding quality.
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WO 373/8/108

IWM NA 23267

Royal Engineers constructing special hand grenades called 'Cross Cocktails', supervised by the inventor of the weapon, Sgt Arthur Clifford Cross DCM of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers (standing in centre), Granarolo, 20 March 1945. (IWM NA 23257)

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Award DCM Sjt. Arthur Clifford CROSS, 1st Bn The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Irish)

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Award DCM Sjt. Arthur Clifford CROSS, 1st Bn The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Irish)

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