Arthur Henry Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Henry Cross
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Corporal Arthur Cross VC, MM
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| Nickname(s) | "Crossy" |
| Born | 13 December 1884 Shipdham, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 23 November 1965 (aged 80) Southwark, London, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit | Surrey Rifles Machine Gun Corps |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Medal |
Arthur Henry Cross (born December 13, 1884 – died November 23, 1965) was a brave soldier in the British Army. He earned the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Medal (MM). The Victoria Cross is the highest award a soldier can receive for showing amazing bravery in battle. It is given to members of the British and Commonwealth forces.
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Early Life
Arthur Henry Cross was born in a village called Shipdham in Norfolk, England. He was one of five children in his family. When he was 15 years old, he moved to London. He got married and became a father when he was 18.
Military Service
Arthur Cross joined the British Army on May 30, 1916. He was part of the 21st Battalion, which was called the First Surrey Rifles. Later, in 1917, he moved to the Machine Gun Corps.
He was 33 years old during the First World War. He was a lance corporal in the 40th Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps. He earned his Victoria Cross for an incredible act of bravery.
Heroic Actions at Ervillers
On March 25, 1918, in a place called Ervillers, France, Lance Corporal Cross showed amazing courage. Two of the British machine guns had been captured by the enemy. Arthur Cross volunteered to go alone and find out where they were.
With his sergeant's permission, he crept back to what used to be his section's trench. This trench was now held by the enemy. He surprised seven enemy soldiers who quickly dropped their rifles. Arthur Cross then made them carry the machine guns, along with their stands and ammunition, back to the British lines.
After bringing the prisoners and the guns back, he quickly got his team ready. They immediately used the machine guns to stop a very strong attack by the enemy. This brave act helped to save many lives.
Awards for Bravery
Arthur Cross was given the Victoria Cross for his "extreme gallantry, initiative and dash." This means he was incredibly brave, thought quickly, and acted with great speed. In June of the same year, he also received the Military Medal for another act of bravery.
Later Life and Legacy
When Arthur Cross visited his old village, he received a special engraved gold watch. Later, a road in the village was named after him to honor his bravery.
His Victoria Cross medal was even used in a movie! It was a prop in the film Carrington V.C., which starred the famous actor David Niven.
Arthur Henry Cross passed away on November 23, 1965. He was buried in the family grave at Streatham Vale Cemetery in London. He rests there with his second wife and their two children.
