British Tunnelling Company Officer’s Military Cross Group

Description

British Tunnelling Company Officer’s Military Cross Group
Awarded to Captain R.C. Thomas, 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, Territorial Force, attached 174h Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers.
Croiselles 26th August 1917
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an intense hostile bombardment of a village, an officer and several men were buried, wounded and gassed in an underground chamber, which had been caved in by shell fire. Captain Thomas displayed magnificent gallantry and promptness in making persistent efforts to rescue the imprisoned men, not only under heavy fire, but under conditions rendered most dangerous by falls of ground and poisonous gas. Although suffering from the effects of the latter himself, his energy and self-sacrificing devotion deserve the highest praise.’