Private Clifford Moss MM 477609 was born in Yorkshire, England on 1 January 1894. His widowed mother is Mrs. Maud Ross, of 52 Lillian Street, Wolsely Road, Leeds, England. She is now living in Belwood, Ontario. His sister Mrs. W.G. Campbell also resides in Belwood. Clifford is a Farmer.
Clifford enlists on 23 April 1915, at Halifax, with Royal Canadian Regiment. Private Clifford Moss sets aside $18 of his monthly pay. He assigns it to his sister. He stands 5’4″ tall, with dark complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair.
Overseas
Private Clifford Moss given 168 Hours Detention, on 9 September 1915, at Shorncliffe. Having in his possession the kit of a comrade. Then, discharged from hospital, and forfeits one day pay, 5 October 1915. But then, readmits to hospital, Shorncliffe, 23 October 1915. Finally, discharges on 8 November 1915. Then, Taken-on-Strength with 11th Reserve Battalion, on 25 November 1915. Once again, admits to Fairfield Hospital, Broadstairs, with Bronchitis in December 1915.
With 11th Reserve Battalion, admitted, VDG (Orchitis), Military Hospital, Shorncliffe, 3 March 1916. Then, discharges on 31 March 1916.
Service
Proceeds overseas to France on 23 April 1916. S.o.S. to Royal Canadian Regiment, 24 April 1916. T.o.S. in the Field, 24 April 1916. Just before Clifford’s arrival, at about 4.00 a.m., a hostile aircraft drops 3 bombs on Camp “E” occupied by the RCR. One bomb making a direct hit on one of the huts inflicting casualties to the extent of 3 O.R. killed, and 31 wounded. On 29 April 1916, the RCR go into Brigade Reserve. In May 1916, the RCR are back in the lines at Maple Copse and Zillebeke. On 2 June 1916, German artillery hammers Maple Copse and Sanctuary Wood. It is on this day General Mercer is killed-in-action.
Permission to Marry
Private Clifford Moss granted 14 days leave to England, 24 January 1918. Then, granted permission to marry, 28 January 1918. Clifford Moss and Maud Farrar marry at the Parish Church in Leeds. Then, on 1 February 1918, Clifford leaves everything to his wife, Maud (Farrar) Ross, 80 Canal Street, South Wigston, Leicester.
Military Medal
Clifford Moss employed as a Company Scout, by the summer of 1918. Clifford performs distinguished service. Then, successfully recommended for the Military Medal. for actions in the Battle of Amiens, early August 1918. Dated 17 August 1918, the citation reads:
For conspicuous bravery and gallant services during the attack on WHITE HOUSE on 8th August 1918 and the capture of PARVILLERS on 14th August 1918. As a Company Scout he fearlessly went forward time and again and returned with the most valuable information for his Company. In the darkness at PARVILLERS he advanced, under heavy shell-fire and machine gun fire to the outskirts of BLUCHER WOOD cutting lanes through wire and locating paths. He then led a Platoon to its objective, greatly assisting in its early security.
Private Clifford Moss’ award of the Military Medal will be published in the Supplement to the London Gazette, 11 February 1919.
Canada’s Last Hundred Days
On 7 September 1918, it is fairly quiet for the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Divisions. But, back at the Battalion Transport Lines, Private Clifford Moss is struck by multiple fragments from an artillery shell.
Admitted No.9 Canadian Field Ambulance, 7 September 1918. GSW both legs (fracture), GSW face. Then, Private Clifford Moss is admitted to No.4 Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. Firstly, Moss given an initial shot of anti-tetanus serum at 1500 hrs. However, Clifford’s wounds are too severe. Finally, he dies at 10:15 pm.
Private Clifford Moss MM was buried 8 September 1918, at Duisans British Cemetery, Plot V, Row H, Grave 31.
Memorial Cross
Moss received the Military Medal, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service. Firstly, Clifford’s medals sent to his widow, in May 1920. Then, in Apr 1921, a Memorial Plaque and Scroll commemorating Clifford Moss’ sacrifice, also sent to his widow.
Finally, in January 1922, a Memorial Cross followed.
Pro Patria
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Comments
3 Responses to “Private Clifford Moss MM in the Great War”
Another great story but you are showing the Memorial Cross issued to the widow, not the Military Medal.
Thanks so much Richard, corrected.
Say his name aloud, so he knows we are remembering him.