R.S.M. George Moore Awarded Military Cross, 1st July 1916.

A veteran of the Indian North West Frontier and the Boer War, George Moore had served 16 years with the Sherwood Foresters before leaving the army and taking up work at his local colliery in Langwith.

Aged 43, he rejoined the Regiment on 2nd September 1914 and posted to the newly-formed 11th Battalion, where experienced NCOs such as him were much needed to help train the New Army recruits. Moore was promoted Regimental Sergeant Major by 2nd February 1916. And he landed in France with the rest of the battalion on 27th August 1915.

On 1st July 1916 his bravery was rewarded with the award of the Military Cross. His citation was as follows:

"During the attack on Mouquet Farm on 1.7.1916, near Thiepval, he advanced with the Battalion under heavy machine-gun and shrapnel fire, and although wounded, continued to advance, until ordered to retire. His fine example inspired all with him". [1]

The local press carried a fuller version of his deeds that day:

"Near Ovillers, 1st July, 1916, for conspicuous gallantry when advancing with the second wave of his battalion, he gave a fine example to the men by his coolness and steadiness under very heavy machine gun and shrapnel fire, and in spite of being wounded himself, he continued to advance until ordered to return to our trenches, where he did his best to encourage and urge forward the succeeding waves. This warrant officer's name has previously been brought to notice for his fine work and courage, and owing to his long service and age, he was given the opportunity of not taking part in the attack. He, however, pleaded that he might be allowed to remain with the battalion for the attack." [2]

Moore was hit by machine gun fire in the left thigh, chest and right arm. Unlike many other 11th Battalion wounded, he was successfully evacuated and spent a month in Manchester Auxiliary Military Hospital before convalescing. He was transferred to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on 22nd September 1916 and then to Class W, Army Reserve, which meant back down the mine for the duration. He was eventually discharged as no longer fit for service on 21st December 1918. [3]

[1] London Gazette, 22nd September 1916.

[2] 'Mansfield and North Notts. Advertiser', 29th September 1916.

[3] RSM Moore's army pension records.