Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second War ‘Crete’ M.C. group of five attributed to Second Lieutenant J. W. S. Hamilton, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated 1941 and further inscribed ‘2/Lt. J. W. S. Hamilton, 1st Bn. A. & S. Hldrs., 26 May, Crete’ engraving appears to be in a modern style; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with 8th Army clasp; Defence and War Medals; together with transmission slip for campaign medals, nearly extremely fine (5) £300-350

M.C. London Gazette 31 September 1941. The recommendation states ‘On the morning of 26 May 1941, Second Lieutenant Hamilton was in command of a Platoon holding the forward positions outside the perimeter at Heraklion. Just before first light Second Lieutenant Hamilton went out on a personal recce. He soon encountered a strong force of the enemy advancing to attack his position. Second Lieutenant Hamilton was surrounded and unable to find a way out. He lay concealed in an olive grove within 200 yards of an enemy machine-gun which opened fire on his posts. Second Lieutenant Hamilton was armed with a rifle and fifty rounds S.A.A. During the next two hours and during bursts of enemy machine-gun fire Second Lieutenant Hamilton fired all his rounds at the enemy at point blank range killing or wounding at least thirty. He then lay hidden until the withdrawal of the enemy after the failure of his attack. Second Lieutenant Hamilton then returned to his own lines and reported the incident to his Commanding Officer.

From 23 to 26 May 1941, both dates inclusive, Second Lieutenant Hamilton’s Platoon was continuously engaged with enemy forces. On all occasions he set a very fine example and his own personal bravery and fearlessness at all times was an inspiration to his Platoon. The culminating action set out above showed great coolness and resource.’ Sold with copied research which includes a photograph of recipient.