David Ronald Cross was killed on this day in 1915
David was born 18 October 1889, Dalmeny, Linlithgowshire, Midlothian. His parents were Adam and Annie Cross of Brixworth Hall.
David went to boarding prep school at the Manor House, Great Haseley, Oxfordshire followed by Marlborough College from April 1903 to July 1908. He then read Modern History at Christ Church, Oxford.
As a young man Lieutenant David Cross rode to hounds and was well known to Pytchley County. In 1914 he won his regimental races at the Curragh, Lord Annaly’s Cup at the Pytchley point-to-point races, and at Punchestown the two military steeplechases.
He had been gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the 16th Lancers on 16 August 1911 and later promoted to Lieutenant.
Lieut. Cross was sent with his regiment to France at the outbreak of war in August 1914 and was wounded in October 1914, but after a few weeks back in England he rejoined his regiment.
David was twice mentioned in F.M. Sir John French’s Dispatches. (London Gazette, 17 & 18 Feb 1916) and awarded the Military Cross.
Lieutenant Cross, MC was killed in action near Ypres and, having no known grave, is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
Lieut. David Ronald Cross M.C. 16th (The Queen’s) Lancers