Matthew Henry Cross
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Matthew was born in 1897 the son of Joseph and Annie Maud Cross, of Bowes Park, London. In 1901, Matthew was boarding with his uncle and aunt William a butler and Eliza Gibson at 33 Gladstone Villas, Hove. By 1911, he was boarding with Arthur and Mary Thompson of 13 Albert Road, Retford. He left England in June 1914 and went to South Africa.
3rd Regiment South African Infantry Walencourt British Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France Grave Reference: VII A 30 Pte H M Cross Retford Times 17 Nov 1916 Another old boy of Retford Grammar School, Pte H M Cross, 26, Woodbeck, Rampton, and formerly of 82 Carolgate, Retford has made the great sacrifice. The gallant young fellow who was only 19 years of age, was formerly employed on the Great Northern Railway and sailed for South Africa in June 1914. He enlisted in the South African Infantry shortly after the outbreak of hostilities and arrived in England in October last year. He fell in action on October 18th this year. His brother Lieut J E Cross participated in the campaign in German East Africa and is now stationed at Aldershot.
The following article is taken from the 'In memoriam' section of the 'Retfordian' magazine which was an in house publication of the King Edward VI Grammar School, Retford :- Harry M Cross sailed for South Africa in June 1914. Within a few days of his arrival there he enlisted in the South African Infantry. After taking part in the campaign in S.W. Africa, he came to England and joined the M.G.C.. He fell in action in France on October 18th, 1916. He was a splendid soldier. We regret that we have no photograph of him except a snapshot that will not reproduce.
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