A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant N. R. Hitchon, West Yorkshire Regiment attached West Riding Regiment, late Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was decorated for gallantry in action to the north-east of Cambrai on 11 October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved ‘Lieut. N. R. Hitchon. Oct. 4th. 1918.’, with replacement suspension; 1914-15 Star (2490 Pte. N. Hitchon. L.N. Lan. R.) minor official corrections to number and name; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut N. R. Hitchon); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Chief Inspr. Norman Hitchon) the Great War awards polished and worn, with some edge bruising, therefore good fine, the last good very fine (5) £600-£800

M.C. London Gazette 2 April 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations on 11 October 1918, east of Naves, in command of his platoon, which he led with great courage and determination under heavy shell fire until wounded. While lying helpless on the ground, he continued to give orders to his platoon. He showed a fine disregard for danger.’

Norman Relton Hitchon was born in Bolton on 15 December 1892, and attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at the outbreak of the Great War, served as a Private on the Western Front from 12 February 1915. Appointed to a commission in the Yorkshire Regiment on 30 October 1917, he was later attached to the 1/7th Battalion, West Riding Regiment and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.

Repatriated via Dover on 14 October 1918, it is believed that he was admitted to the Hammerton Hospital in Sunderland the following day. Hitchon claimed his medals in 1923, his address at that time recorded as 34 Gilnow Road, Bolton; his ties to the town are further reinforced in 1939 where he is listed as a master butcher and special constable residing at Inverlael Avenue in Bolton.