5th/16th Punjab Regiment MBE, 1944 Military Cross Group of S...

Estimate

£1,600 - £1,800

5th/16th Punjab Regiment MBE, 1944 Military Cross Group of Six. Awarded to Major Peter W Burton MBE MC. Comprising: Breast Badge of a Member of the British Empire (Civil Division), Military Cross (privately Engraved) EC 3758 CAPTAIN P.W. BURTON 5/16th PUNJAB REGT 1944, 1939/45 Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, MIC. Mounted Court style as originally worn. GC ... Accompanied by Buckingham Palace investiture letter and a 14th Army HQ letter of congratulations signed by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief W.J. Slim. The recommendation for Military Cross is dated 25th April 1944 and recommended and signed by General later Field Marshal Viscount Slim. In the early morning of 13th April 1944 when the Bn was holding points Spit & Polish S.W. of Buthidaung a vague message was received at Bn HQ, that one of the forward Coys had been over-run by the enemy and requesting help. More detailed information was essential and T/Capt, Burton who was Adjt immediately volunteered to go forward in the dark over country in which enemy patrols were active and in which mines were laid. His carrier hit a mine and two men were wounded, however T/Capt Burton proceeded forward on foot with one man and eventually reached one of the forward posts. He found a small part of the position over-run, the Coy Comd wounded and some 25 enemy in 3 bunker positions in one corner of the main position. Having seen to the disposal of casualties T/Capt Burton then took command and organised and directed the eviction of the enemy from their bunker positions. It was impossible to use Arty as the posts were too close to our own. However after some 5 hours the entire enemy party had been exterminated and the position stabilised. This action took place under severe enemy mortar & MG fire, but under the leadership of T/Capt Burton was entirely successful, with comparatively few losses to our own troops. T/Capt Burton then reorganised the defences of the positions and held it against several determined enemy attacks and under enemy shell and mortar fire for 6 days and nights until relieved. The successful reoccupation and defence of these features was in great measure due to the coolness, powers of leadership and complete disregard for his own personal safety of T/Capt Burton who showed ability and assumed responsibility well above his rank. The positions Spit & Polish were two high points allowing free observation of two valleys used by the Japanese forces to advance. Major Burton commanded fewer than 100 men and faced far greater number of Japanese. Knowing his command consisted Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, he ordered his men to shout out religious Battle Cries in their on tongue thus deceive the enemy. The ruse worked as records later showed the Japanese believed Burton's command was at least Battalion strength. Peter W Burton was born in Bradford his father a civil servant serving in India. After his education in England he chose career in business and in the late 1930's chose to study the German language. Living in Berlin he personally witness the Nazi raceme and on at least two occasions heard Hitler speak. Seeing what was on the cards, he first moved to Switzerland and on the eve of war he travelled across France to return home. The day after war was declared he volunteered for service with the Indian Army and volunteered for the Home Guard. He served with the Indian Army from 1940 to 1946 then returned home to Bradford. He was awarded the MBE in 1983 for services as Calderdale Council's Industrial Development Officer.