Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Fusilier J. Morton, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (3247301 Fus. J. Morton RNF.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, about extremely fine (6) £220-260

J. Morton attested for the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), before transferring in 1944 to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He served with the 1st Battalion during the bitter fighting on the Gothic Line in December 1944, which was ‘one of the hardest battles for the Eight Army, comparable to El Alamein and Monte Cassino.’ Morton was wounded in action on 16 December 1944, during which period ‘the battalion was heavily engaged on the Pergola-Pidura Ridge, south of the Bologna-Rimini railway line. The enemy reacted with exceptional violence. Sub-units of the battalion in turn supported various defensive operations designed to stabilise a satisfactory winter line of defence, before the first snow of the season fell just before Christmas.’ (The History of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers refers).

After transferring to the Reserve, Morton was recalled to the Colours for service in Korea, and sailed with the 1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers on the Empire Halliday, arriving in Pusan as part of the original 28 Infantry Brigade on 18 November 1950. The Battalion was continuously in action , taking part in the Battle of Imjin, before leaving on 28 October 1951. During the course of their involvement in Korea the Battalion suffered 93 Officers and men killed, 239 wounded, and 45 taken Prisoner of War.