Lot Archive

Lot

№ 115

.

5 April 2006

Hammer Price:
£1,150

Pair: Corporal George Griffiths, 10th Royal Hussars, attached 1st Royal Tanks, mentioned in despatches for gallantry during the battle of the Hook in May 1953

Korea 1950-53 (22525828 Cpl. G. Griffiths, 1 R. Tks.); U.N. Korea, together with original M.I.D. Certificate, seven photographs taken in Korea, and two news cuttings relating to the M.I.D., good very fine (2) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 10th and 11th Hussars.

View A Collection of Medals to the 10th and 11th Hussars

View
Collection

M.I.D. London Gazette 7 July 1953: ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea.’

The recommendation submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel G. C. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.C., states: ‘28th/29th May 1953. Corporal Griffiths commanded the tug for ammunition replenishment on the night of the Hook Battle 28th/29th. Without lights, he is of necessity completely exposed and surrounded by live ammunition. In spite of this, Corporal Griffiths showed complete disregard for his safety, replenished each of the forward tanks three times during the night under heavy shellfire, in the course of which his vehicle received at least two direct hits and inumeral
(sic) near misses. In an interval of his normal duties he reported with his vehicle to the Hook Company C.P. and successfully evacuated several wounded to the R.A.P. Throughout the night this N.C.O. showed courage, initiative and sense of duty of a high order.’

One of the news cuttings states: ‘Hook hero gets a ‘mention’ - Forty-six-year-old Corporal George Griffiths, from Pentre-Broughton in Denbighshire, has been mentioned in despatches for his gallantry in the great battle of the Hook. He commanded an ammunition replenishment vehicle.’