A particularly fine and rare Second World War 'Battle of France' 1940 M.M., 'Burma' 1944...

A particularly fine and rare Second World War ‘Battle of France’ 1940 M.M., ‘Burma’ 1944 U.S.A. Silver Star group of six awarded to Sergeant, later Lieutenant, G. I. Hughson, Royal Engineers, for his gallantry in demolishing bridges under fire during the retreat on Dunkirk; and for leading his platoon in a combat capacity when they were attacked by the Japanese whilst constructing a road during the advance in North Burma along the ‘Railway Corridor’. Hughson ‘cornered five of the enemy in heavy undergrowth and, leading his men in the attack, personally killed two of the five’ Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1881038 L-Sjt. G. I. Hughson. R.E.) minor official correction to unit; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; United States of America, Silver Star, reverse engraved ‘Lt. Griffith I. Hughson 263766’, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (6) £2,800-£3,200 --- M.M. London Gazette 22 October 1940. The original recommendation states: ‘15-28 May. Sgt. Hughson set a brilliant example in Tournai and Lille while preparing Bridges for demolition under intermittent aerial bombardment. With little or no previous experience of demolition technique he organised and supervised work with an admirable coolness and withdrew his firing party under flanking machine gun fire without casualties.’ United States of America Silver Star London Gazette 5 April 1945. The official recommendation, dated 3 February 1945, states: ‘For gallantry in action at ****, on 10 November 1944. While working on ** road construction his platoon of Royal Engineers was attacked by the enemy. Lieutenant Hughson immediately organised counter measures, in conjunction with a section of infantry, and succeeded in wiping out the entire enemy force with no casualties to his own platoon. Lieutenant Hughson cornered five of the enemy in heavy undergrowth and, leading his men in the attack, personally killed two of the five. Lieutenant Hughson’s coolness under fire, and absolute disregard for his own safety when the success of an operation was at stake, reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.’ Griffith Iorwerth Hughson initially served as a Sergeant during the Second World War with 201st Field Company, Royal Engineers as part of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division. Hughson’s unit was part of the BEF, and was particularly active in carrying out bridge demolition during the Battle of France in May 1940. Forced back to Dunkirk, Hughson’s unit completed their evacuation by 31 May. Hughson was subsequently commissioned, and served with the 236th Field Company, Royal Engineers as part of the 36th Division in Burma. They were engaged in the advance into North Burma, and the clearing of the Railway Corridor from Myitkyina in the north to Katha, on the Irrawaddy. The following additional detail about Hughson’s service is given in an article with appeared in the Herald of Wales, 10 March 1945: ‘U.S. gallantry award for Ynystawe Lieut. For gallantry in action at Ponhon, Burma, on November 10, 1944, the American award for valour, the Silver Star, has been awarded to Lieutenant G. Iorwerth Hughson, of the Royal Engineers, 36th Division, British Army, and third son of Mr and Mrs E. J. Hughson, Tegfan, Ynystawe, whose wife, Mrs Megan Hughson, resides at Brynbrialiu, Twynbedw-road, Clybach. The citation, referring to the action that gained the award, states: “While on road construction his platoon was attacked, Lieutenant Hughson immediately organised counter-measures, in conjunction with a section of infantry, and succeeded in wiping out the entire enemy force, with no casualties to his own platoon. He cornered the last remaining five of the enemy in heavy undergrowth and, leading his men in the attack, killed two of the five. Lieutenant Hughson’s coolness under fire, and absolute disregard for his own safety, when the success of an operation was at stake, reflects great credit on him, and the armed forces of the United Nations.” The investiture took place on the field by General Sultan. Lieutenant Hughson was awarded the Military Medal for his work at Dunkirk in 1940. He joined up over five years ago, then being a teacher under the Swansea Education Committee.’ (photocopy of article, including a photographic image of recipient in uniform, included in lot) Sold with copied recommendations, and a typed note which gives the recipient as being taken prisoner of war by the Japanese - this is as yet unsubstantiated.