Baldwin & Sons
Auction 106 15 Sep 2022
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A 1940, Escaut Canal Counter Attack, Military Cross Group of 7 awarded to Major George Crux, 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusilier (Territorial Force) and who served as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 2/6th Battalion Lancashire Fusilier in the Great War comprising, Military Cross, GRI, reverse officially dated (1940), 1914‑1920 British War and Victory Medals, (2. Lieut. G. Crux.), 1939‑45 Star, 1939‑45 Defence Medal, 1939‑45 War Medal, unnamed as issued Territorial Decoration, GRI, officially dated (1942), toned, fine (7).
Military Cross The London Gazette 11th July 1940.
Territorial Decorations The London Gazette 15th of May 1942.
The Situation the Escaut Canal 21st of May 1940.
1st Battalion Borders had been driven back from the position on the Escaut canal on the morning fo the 21st of May 1940; 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were ordered to counter‑attack, and went into action at 1.15pm; initially held at the railway embankment, until final assault with artillery support at 8pm secured the line of the Canal; casualties 25 killed, 33 missing, 55 wounded – total 113; 23 prisoners taken; awards – 1 x DSO, 2 x Mc, 1 x DM, 2 x MM.
Military Cross Citation: ‑ Major George Crux, Lancashire Fusiliers, (from the National Archives).
Throughout the action of the 21st of May 1940 Major Crux showed extreme courage and resource. An indefatigable leader, he rallied and re‑organised his men on four occasions when the situation might have developed awkwardly, owing to casualties to officers and non‑commissioned officers. He led his men forward to positions to be occupied, clearing the enemy from them, and establishing his position, then moved to other parts of the line, the whole time helping to re‑organise and consolidate the position gained.
He showed absolute disregard for personal safety, and by his cheerfulness inspired his men with his great spirit of courage, which he displayed throughout the action. With CSM Mahoney he captured 4 prisoners, a wireless set, a light machine gun and other weapons.
In the withdrawal of the 22/23rd May, his calmness and gallantry were invaluable to the operation. (CSM Mahoney was awarded the DCM).
Battalion Movements after the operations of the 21st of May 1940.
23rd May – Withdrawn in the evening to a position south of Lille.
27 May – 42 Div isolated in Lille, had to fight itself north to re‑join main body of the BEF in Belgium, near Ploegsteert and Yser Canal.
28 May – Retreat towards Dunkirk ordered, (Couronne/Westoutre/Proven).
29 May – Battalion (Less A & B Coys) held positions at Bergues, with 5th Battalion, 10 miles south of
Dunkirk; dive‑bombed, withdrew after 4 hours.
30 May – Arrived at Bray dunes, 2 miles East of Port of Dunkirk. Evacuated over the course of the next few days. Most of Battalion after 2 days on the beaches.
5 June – Battalion reassembled at Stanhope, County Durham, strength 600 officers and men, approximately 150 casualties since leaving England.
George Crux was born on the 16th of May 1896 in Rochdale, son of a Master Tailor. Her served as 9856 Corporal and 240745 Sergeant in the 2/6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers before Commissioning into the Battalion on the 29th of May 1918. He continued to serve post‑war with the 6th Battalion. He was at the annual shoot on the 29th of March 1931 for the Norbury Cup and "D" Coy under Captain Crux came last with 488 points. 26th November 1931 promoted Major, commanding Machine Gun Company (Rochdale Coy). 1st of September 1913 Mobilised, 15th of April 1940 to France with battalion, 21st of May 1940 awarded Military Cross, Escaut Canal, 1st of June 1940 evacuated from the Dunkirk Beach.
Sold with Original Box for Military Cross, copy London Gazette entries, copy Medal Index Card and 2 copy photographs of George in uniform.
Military Cross The London Gazette 11th July 1940.
Territorial Decorations The London Gazette 15th of May 1942.
The Situation the Escaut Canal 21st of May 1940.
1st Battalion Borders had been driven back from the position on the Escaut canal on the morning fo the 21st of May 1940; 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were ordered to counter‑attack, and went into action at 1.15pm; initially held at the railway embankment, until final assault with artillery support at 8pm secured the line of the Canal; casualties 25 killed, 33 missing, 55 wounded – total 113; 23 prisoners taken; awards – 1 x DSO, 2 x Mc, 1 x DM, 2 x MM.
Military Cross Citation: ‑ Major George Crux, Lancashire Fusiliers, (from the National Archives).
Throughout the action of the 21st of May 1940 Major Crux showed extreme courage and resource. An indefatigable leader, he rallied and re‑organised his men on four occasions when the situation might have developed awkwardly, owing to casualties to officers and non‑commissioned officers. He led his men forward to positions to be occupied, clearing the enemy from them, and establishing his position, then moved to other parts of the line, the whole time helping to re‑organise and consolidate the position gained.
He showed absolute disregard for personal safety, and by his cheerfulness inspired his men with his great spirit of courage, which he displayed throughout the action. With CSM Mahoney he captured 4 prisoners, a wireless set, a light machine gun and other weapons.
In the withdrawal of the 22/23rd May, his calmness and gallantry were invaluable to the operation. (CSM Mahoney was awarded the DCM).
Battalion Movements after the operations of the 21st of May 1940.
23rd May – Withdrawn in the evening to a position south of Lille.
27 May – 42 Div isolated in Lille, had to fight itself north to re‑join main body of the BEF in Belgium, near Ploegsteert and Yser Canal.
28 May – Retreat towards Dunkirk ordered, (Couronne/Westoutre/Proven).
29 May – Battalion (Less A & B Coys) held positions at Bergues, with 5th Battalion, 10 miles south of
Dunkirk; dive‑bombed, withdrew after 4 hours.
30 May – Arrived at Bray dunes, 2 miles East of Port of Dunkirk. Evacuated over the course of the next few days. Most of Battalion after 2 days on the beaches.
5 June – Battalion reassembled at Stanhope, County Durham, strength 600 officers and men, approximately 150 casualties since leaving England.
George Crux was born on the 16th of May 1896 in Rochdale, son of a Master Tailor. Her served as 9856 Corporal and 240745 Sergeant in the 2/6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers before Commissioning into the Battalion on the 29th of May 1918. He continued to serve post‑war with the 6th Battalion. He was at the annual shoot on the 29th of March 1931 for the Norbury Cup and "D" Coy under Captain Crux came last with 488 points. 26th November 1931 promoted Major, commanding Machine Gun Company (Rochdale Coy). 1st of September 1913 Mobilised, 15th of April 1940 to France with battalion, 21st of May 1940 awarded Military Cross, Escaut Canal, 1st of June 1940 evacuated from the Dunkirk Beach.
Sold with Original Box for Military Cross, copy London Gazette entries, copy Medal Index Card and 2 copy photographs of George in uniform.