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241820 Sgt. Alfred James Cross DCM. British Army 2nd Btn. Rifle Brigade from:Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire (d.31st July 1917) Great uncle Alf Cross was one of 8 children. He signed up with the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles when he was 18 in 1914. He was the son of Charles William and Harriett Cross, Ellen's Lodge, Ditchley, Enstone. He saw action in The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, The Battle of Aubers and the action of Bois Grenier (a diversionary attack coinciding with the Battle of Loos) in 1915, The Battle of Albert (the first phase of the Battle of the Somme) in 1916 and the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in 1917. On 18th June 1917, in the run up to the Third Battle of Ypres he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led out a patrol and established two posts about 70 yards from an enemy strong point. He set a splendid example of courage and initiative." He was killed on the first day of the Third Battle of Ypres aged 21. Please type your message:      We recommend you copy the text about this item and keep a copy on your own computer before pressing submit. Your Name:             Email Address:       @ **Please put the first part of your email, (before the @ sign) in the first box, and the second part in the second box. Do not include @, it is automatic. Do not enter your full email in each box or add an @ sign or random spaces.**