Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War Normandy July 1944 operations M.M. awarded to Private T. H. Cross, Middlesex Regiment, who was severely wounded after many acts of bravery under fire in Lebisey Woods

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6340636 Pte. T. H. Cross, Midd’x. R.), extremely fine £1600-1800

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘Private Cross was D.R. to No. 7 (M.G.) Platoon of ‘C’ Company. On 8 July 1944, his Platoon had the task of the immediate consolidation of the S.E. edge of the Lebisey Woods after the capture of that portion of the feature by 1/Royal Norfolks.

Private Cross, on his motor-cycle and following his Platoon Commander on his recce., reached the feature immediately behind the leading infantry, having to manhandle his motor-cycle over fallen trees and other debris. During his move through the woods, Private Cross personally rounded up and captured two of the enemy whom he handed over to the Royal Norfolks.

The enemy now began to shell and mortar the area heavily, particularly the forward edges of the wood where it was necessary to site the M.G. Platoon in order to obtain an effective field of fire. The Platoon Commander and Private Cross carried out their recce., chose the Platoon position and Private Cross was sent back to bring up the Platoon from their forward harbour area. He returned and led the carriers up as far as the going would permit and then personally led each gun team, under intense fire, on their long carries to their gun positions; it being necessary to crawl the last 30 yards in each case.

Shelling in the area of the carriers had now become intense and casualties to vehicles and drivers appeared certain. Private Cross, on his own initiative, recce’d for an alternative site and found one nearer the gun positions where a partly demolished wall and a slight bank afforded some measure of protection. He obtained permission to move the vehicles up, returned and led the Platoon Sergeant with the six carriers up to the new position, still under heavy fire. He continued to make many journeys between his Platoon and Company H.Qs throughout the day. A few days later, in one of these journeys, Private Cross became a casualty and was evacuated.

His initiative and courage throughout the operation proved invaluable.’

Timothy Henry Cross was serving in the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment at the time of the above cited deeds.