Major F. Hilton M.C.

Throughout the present campaign this officer has commanded a Rifle Company. During the occupation of HENU BLOCK he gave several outstanding examples of bravery and devotion to duty in organising his positions and holding them against repeated attacks.

On the 16th April 1944, after nights of continued probing attacks by the enemy, the enemy launched a full scale attack and the platoon holding the position known as O.P. Hill was over-run. He immediately mustered men including signallers, muleteers and sick personnel, then personally lead a most determined and vigorous counter attack and restored the situation. His quick grasp of the situation and his calm and determined action saved the position. After this counter attack approximately 100 dead Japanese were counted on and around the position.

During the last 4 weeks of the campaign, his company has made several successful attacks. In one he seized a Bren gun and engaged the enemy killing several and breaking up the attack, he then went across to a support section got a rifle and discharger cup and fired grenades onto the enemy, at the same time indicating the enemy positions to the remainder of the section. Later Major HILTON personally led a platoon attack on an enemy O.P. near UHMAN TAUNG killing seven of the enemy and capturing the complete O.P. and all stores and signalling equipment.

In the attack on YWATHITGALE, his company, whose forward platoon he personally lead cleared strong opposition, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Due to this successful attack, the column was enabled to continue its advance to PIM HEI Bridge which was the key position of the battle.

In the final attack on NATGYIGON near MOGAUNG, his company was subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire whilst forming up in the darkness, preparatory to the attack. Despite many casualties and confusion , he mustered his men and formed up, inspiring all by his own example of courage and determination. He reached his objective (the railway line) in several places by first light overcoming heavy and determined resistance in the fight. In the face of heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire he organised his company and positions, and despite the fact that he had lost in this attack 35 killed and 55 wounded he held every yard of ground he had captured and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. He himself pinpointed and eliminated a number of strong points of resistance with his grenades thus allowing the attack to continue.

Throughout the campaign Major Hilton has set a grand example to his men by personal acts of gallantry and by his complete disregard of his own personal safety on all occasions. His skill and determination has been a great inspiration to all under his command and his high standard of leadership throughout has been beyond all praise.

Dated MOGAUNG 27th JUNE 1944