OUTSTANDING COURAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 5 January 1945, Page 5

OUTSTANDING COURAGE

V.C. AWARDED TO ENGLISH SOLDIER Rugby. Jan. 4. The* Victoria Cross has been awarded to Private Henry Burton, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. The citation says: “In Italy during October, 1944, two companies of the regiment moved forward to lake a strongly-held feature 700 metres high, the capture of which was vital. Twenty ygfds from the top the leading platoon was held up by withering Spandau fire. Burton rushed forward, engaged the first Spandau position with his tommy-gun and killed the crew of three. “When the assault was again held up by murderous fire from two more machine-guns, Burton, again showing complete disregard for his own safety, dashed forward towards the first ma-chine-gun, using his tommy-gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then picked up a Bren gun and firing from the hip succeeded in killing and wounding the crews of the two ma-chine-guns. “Thanks to his outstanding courage the company was then able to consolidate c i the forward slope of the feature. In subsequent counter-attacks, Burton, on h>s own initiative, directed such accurate fire on the enemy that they retired. failing to dislodge our forces. Burton’s magnificent gallantry and 4 tal disregard for his own safety during many hours of fierce fighting in mud and continuous rain were an inspiration to all his comrades.