269055 Ronnie Hutton, MC, 615 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers

Hi,

According to the Irish Guards history, a Sapper officer led 4 Gdsmen onto the bridge on 10 Sept 44 and together they cut wires to demolition charges. I have the names of the 4 Gdsmen but was wondering if this was the RE officer.

Found this link to MC recommendation, but does anyone have any information about this particular incident in Histories etc?

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

The name Ronnie Hutton is mentioned in JOE Vandeleur's book.

Thanks for any help,

Diane

 

Hi Philip,
Oooh, sounds interesting, can you tell me more ..?
d

 

Thanks Philip, must have been very interesting to hear stories from this side and first-hand too.


So, anyone got any info on the above-named Sapper officer, or can anyone point me in the direction of sources?

Cheers,
d

 

Hello Philip, this is great.

Thanks very much for checking, please send thanks to your friend also.

Diane

 

Philip,
Looks like I will have to build more bookshelves

d

 

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

Name Hutton, Ronald David
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 269055
Regiment: 615 Field Squadron Royal Engineers attached IRISH GUARDS
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 01 March 1945
Date 1945
Catalogue reference WO 373/51

269055 War substantive Lieutenant Ronald David HUTTON, 615 Field Squadron, ROYAL ENGINEERS
32 Guards Brigade, Guards Armoured Division, 30 Corps

On the night of 10 September 1944 Lieutenant HUTTON advanced with the leading platoon of the assault party to capture the DE GROOTE BARRIER over the MEUSE-ESCAUT Canal. The bridge was covered with three enemy 88mmm Anti-Tank guns and many spandaus.

In spite of this opposition Lieut. HUTTON, with total disregard for his own personal safety, examined the firing mechanism of the bridge in the glare of a blazing ammunition lorry on the bridge site, and successfully neutralised all the charges.

The initiative and gallant conduct of this officer was instrumental in enabling the column following up to maintain a bridge head and keep the centre line for further movement.

Recommended for Immediate MC
Signed Lt. Col. J. VANDELEUR, Officer Commanding, 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS
The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

WO373/51-ir909-p297