BURTON, Francis Gerard

Rank: 
Marine
Unit / Base: 
45RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
PLY/X105925
Honours & Awards: 
Marine Francis Burton was awarded the Military Medal for courage and great devotion to duty whilst serving with the Army in North West Europe.
Recommendation
23 JAN 45 - VLOOT BEEK
On 23 Jan 45 during the initial battle for the bridgehead at Vloot Beek from which the final attack on Linne was launched, Mne. Burton was carrying the Cdo. Rover Set.
Mne Burton followed his Commanding Officer from Cdo. HQ. to visit the forward Troops who were hotly engaged. On the way Mne. Burton encountered heavy mortar fire and also came under accurate rifle fire. After some 300yds had been covered Mne. Burton was badly hit in his right arm.
Although obviously in great pain and with a useless right arm Mne Burton continued to follow his Commanding Officer, maintaining vital communications and passing orders for supporting fire to aid the forward troops. This he continued to do, refusing to return to the RAP until another signaller was obtained to take over the set.
Mne Burton's conduct was a shining example of a signaller's devotion to duty and loyalty to his Unit.
 
Sources
Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/47/62.
London Gazette 37048, page 2172.
 

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