My grandfather, 2nd LIEUT. F H Mintrom was awarded the MILITARY CROSS in 1918. The citation reads ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative east of LE QUESNOY on 4th November 1918. He commanded a section of machine guns attached to an assaulting battalion of Infantry, and lead forward two guns with the leading waves of the right leading company in the attack. By engaging enemy oppositions he assisted the advance of the infantry, and he took up a well-chosen position on the objective gained’
Prior to that he was awarded the MILITARY MEDAL in 1917 in the Battle for the Somme After crossing the Hannebeeke when, as Sergt Mintrom he took command of his section of gunners after the Lieut. Forsdick was injured. The citation for the MM reads ‘in operations at YPRES 4th and 5th October 1917. This NCO took charge of the section when his officer became a casualty. He led his guns to their objective and showed great ability and and initiative in sighting them in their final positions. His splendid example to his men attributed greatly to the success of the operations.