PARAS 2 Bruton, James Edward

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Bruton
  • FORENAME
James Edward
  • UNIT
3 Para
  • RANK
Private (A/Lance Corporal)
  • NUMBER
23480160
  • AWARD
Military Medal
  • PLACE
Radfan,Aden 1964
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
London Gazette 43641, 30th April 1965, Page 4348
 

CITATION:

Military Medal : During the Radfan operations Lance Corporal Bruton's company carried out a long night march over difficult country. At first light on 5th May 1964, they encountered and attacked a large group of dissidents in the Wadi Taim. Throughout the daylong action Lance Corporal Bruton displayed courage and leadership of a very high order. In the early stages during a platoon attack Lance Corporal Bruton saw a number of enemy escaping to a flank. He immediately led a successful section attack in which he personally accounted for at least one of the enemy killed.

Later in the day, when his Platoon Commander was killed, Lance Corporal Bruton assumed command of a small party of three wounded and one other. He shouted across to Company Headquarters giving the situation and approximate position of the enemy snipers. He ensured that the wounded were in die best cover available and helped by Private Smith gave first aid to the three wounded.

As the sun grew hotter Lance Corporal Bruton having correctly appreciated that unless the wounded were moved into shade and given further treatment two of them at least would not survive the day, decided that together with Private M. W. Smith he would get them back into the Fort occupied by Company Headquarters.

Having witnessed the accuracy of and the damage inflicted by the snipers Lance Corporal Bruton was fully aware of the dangers of his self imposed mission. His plan which was for himself and Smith to carry one of the wounded each, at the same time helping along the third who was still capable of walking.

In one determined dash Lance Corporal Bruton and Private Smith, each carrying a heavy man and helping the third, covered the distance to the Fort under fire from enemy snipers.

It was undoubtedly Bruton's calculated courage, unselfishness and disregard for his own safety which saved the lives of at least two of the wounded

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43641/supplement/4348/
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7623325

NATIONAL ARCHIVES:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7623325
Last edited by a moderator:
Top