Craig, Arthur James Robson: Lieutenant

Digitized Service Record

Source: Letter to Lt. Krug re. list of officers present for a re-union of officers held November 7, 1931 in London, Ontario.

Find-A-Grave

LIEUT. CRAIG HONORED
Rose from the Ranks and Won Military Cross at Battle of Lens

Gallantry and effectiveness in action has brought to Lieut. A.J. Craig, of 129 Woodbine avenue, the coveted Military Cross. The award was made for work performed on August 17th before Lens. The trench mortar battery to which Lt. Craig is attached was ordered to advance. They did so and gained all their objectives. Terrific counter-attacks were immediately launched by the Germans. Three of these were repulsed. The Hun artillery then go the range but in spite of a terrific bombardment the company held its position for three hours when reinforcements arrived. Lieut. Craig and three officers were forced to seek shelter in hastily improvised dugouts. All four met with casualties. Lieut. Craig went overseas in May 1915 with a second contingent unit. He enlisted as a private but his good work at the front brought him rapid promotion and he was given his commission on the field. Before enlisting he was with the wholesale jewelry house of P.W. Ellis.

Source: Toronto Star – September 26, 1917.

Lt. Arthur James Robson Craig, Infy.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions when in charge of a trench mortar section. He demolished a block of buildings containing a machine-gun emplacement and several snipers’ posts, from which the enemy were causing us numerous casualties, and the destruction of which enabled our forces to repel a counter-attack. During two other hostile attacks on our ines he rendered most valuable assistance by keeping his guns firing continuously from very advanced positions. On another occasion, during a successful counter-attack made my our troops, he personally captured two enemy trench mortars, which he immediately, and with splendid effect, turned on the enemy. His fearlessness and utter disregard for danger were an inspiring example to his men.

Source: The London Gazette Publication date: 5 March 1918 Supplement: 30561 Page: 2946 Earned this decoration while on detached duty with the 4th Canadian Trench Mortar Battery.