243510 Hugo Francis Guy CHARTERIS, MC, S Company Scots Guards attached 2 Coldstream Guards

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Name Charteris, Hugo Francis Guy
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: P/243510
Regiment: Scots Guards attached 2 Coldstream Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 07 December 1944
Date 1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/8


1st Guards Brigade, 6th British Armoured Division, 10 Corps
P/243510 War Substantive Lieutenant Hugo Francis Guy CHARTERIS, S Company, SCOTS GUARDS attached 2nd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

The 2nd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS was ordered to capture and hold the PICCOLO feature 6530 starting at 0015 hours on 28th May 1944.

Lieutenan H.G. CHARTERIS was Second-in-Command 'S' Company which was directed upon the Westernmost high point of this feature. The Company reached and held its objective but by 0430 hours one Officer had been killed and the Company Commander wounded, leaving Lieutenant CHARTERIS the only Officer unhurt.

The Company Commander refused to leave the battle until about 1100 hours, but through loss of blood was becoming progressively ineffective.

Throughout a very exhausting day he controlled the Company and organised the defence to hold the post against two counter-attacks as well as numerous raids'; he had to direct the artillery and mortars, and also work the wireless as the signallers were wounded.

Despite mortar and machine gun fire he went round the Company position continually, and when the enemy attacked he was always there to take part in the very close hand-to-hand fighting with grenades and Tommy guns. He continued until late in the afternoon when he was severely wounded in the head.

'S' Company continuously throughout the day put up a magnificent and successful fight against an enemy determined to regain PICCOLO. Lieutenant CHARTERIS' skill, example and courage was an inspiration to all and contributed largely to the defeat of the enemy.

Signed NORMAN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

Granted an Immediate M.C.