Ernest enlisted in April 1916 and had served overseas for two years prior to his death. A single man, he is , along with his brother Harry, the second pair of brothers to be included on the memorial. He was previously employed at William Burrows' Mill, Whittlefield and attended St. Oswald's Church

He was presumed to have been killed during a raid on the German trenches at Boyells in France. His nephew Pte. Fred Cross of the
East Lancashire Regiment was killed on the 28th of March 1945 during the Second World War.

WHITTLEFIELD PARENTS’ ANXIETY (Burnley Express 18/1/1919)

Mr. And Mrs. Cross, of 13, Cotton-street, Burnley, would be pleased if any returned prisoners or other soldier could give them any information respecting their son, Pte. Ernest Cross, aged 24, single, No. 33903, of the 16th Batt., “B” Company of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who has been missing since July 3rd last. He enlisted two years since last April, and had been out two years. He was formerly employed as a weaver at William Burrows’ Mill, Whittlefield, and attended St. Oswald’s Church.