The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Hough, Harold Rank: Corporal Service No: 2623559 Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/6 LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563 24th Guards Brigade, 1st Division, 6 Corps 2623559 War Substantive Lance-Corporal, Lance-Sergeant Harold HOUGH, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS During the recent operations in the ANZIO Bridgehead Lance-Serjeant HOUGH was in charge of a mortar detachment. On the 25 January 1944 during the attack on the Factory Area at CARROCETO his mortar was in action. The enemy opened fire on him with a 88 mm gun and three shells landed in quick succession immediately behind the mortar. Lance-Serjeant HOUGH was wounded in the shoulder, but refusing attention, he continued firing the mortar with great accuracy until the arrival of further detachments allowed his to be relieved. On the following day 26 January the enemy attacked the Factory with tanks and infantry. Lance-Serjeant HOUGH and his detachment were in constant action and so excellent was his fire control that many casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. During that day this N.C.O. was continually exposed to enemy artillery fire by his detachment continued to fire without a break. Throughout the action the coolness of Lance-Serjeant HOUGH did much to encourage all around him and the accuracy of his detachment's fire played a large part in the breaking up of the enemy's attacks. Lance-Serjeant HOUGH was recommended for an immediate award of a Military Medal during the North African campaign but received no recognition. His outstanding leadership and devotion to duty with complete disregard of his own personal safety was as apparent in North Africa as it was throughout the recent action in the ANZIO Bridgehead. Granted an Immediate D.C.M. https://www.grengds.com/uploads/files/filepath_529.pdf HOUGH, H. Lsgt 2620559
