Personal Number: 63842 Rank: Brigadier Name: Harry Butler HITCHENS, OBE Unit: Intelligence Corps London Gazette : 12 November 1940 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34988/supplement/6487/data.pdf INTELLIGENCE CORPS. Capt. H. B. Kitchens (63842), from T.A. Gen. List (O.T.C.), to be Capt. 15th July 1940, retaining his present seniority. London Gazette : 16 September 1943 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36173/supplement/4120/data.pdf The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa:— To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:— Captain (temporary Major) Harry Butler Kitchens (63842), Intelligence Corps. London Gazette : 22 February 1945 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36950/supplement/1040/data.pdf The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field •— To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:— Colonel (acting) Harry Butler Hitchens, M.B.E. (63842), Intelligence Corps. London Gazette : 15 August 1946 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37686/supplement/4103/data.pdf The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations which have been conferred on the undermentioned personnel in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies: — DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer. Brigadier (temporary) Harry Butler HITCHENS, O.B.E. (63842), Intelligence Corps. London Gazette : 21 April 1950 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38889/supplement/1928/data.pdf The KING has been graciously pleased to confer "The Territorial Efficiency Decoration and 1st Clasp" upon the following officers. INTELLIGENCE CORPS. Col. (Hon. Brig.) H. B. HITCHENS, O.B.E. (63842).
Recommendation for Award for Hitchens, Harry Butler Rank: Captain Service... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/71/79 Name Hitchens, Harry Butler Rank: Captain Service No: P/63842 Regiment: Intelligence Corps Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia) Award: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Date of announcement in London Gazette: 16 September 1943
Recommendation for Award for Hitchens, Harry Butler Rank: Major, Temporary... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/75/305 Name Hitchens, Harry Butler Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Colonel Service No: 63842 Regiment: G-2 Operation Intelligence Section, Army Force Headquarters Theatre of Combat or Operation: Mediterranean Award: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Date of announcement in London Gazette: 22 February 1945
See also: “Monty” visits Solihull School "In 1934, whilst a master at Clifton College, he was gazetted Second Lieutenant for service with the Clifton College Contingent, Officers’ Training Corps. He joined the Services in 1940 and went to North Africa with the First Army in 1943. In 1945 H. B. Hitchens served in Italy on General Eisenhower’s staff before becoming Deputy Director of Operational Intelligence for the Mediterranean Theatre under Field Marshal Alexander. He was subsequently appointed Director of British Intelligence in Austria and South-east Europe with the rank of Brigadier, apparently becoming one of the youngest Brigadiers in the British Army. He first met Monty when he went to make a report to him at battle headquarters. John Loynton’s book A History of Solihull School 1560-2010 notes that Mr Hitchens’ references for the Headmaster’s post were supplied by General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery."