[img2=left]http://rwf-forum.co.uk//vBulletin/images/misc/poppy.jpg[/img2]Major Peter Sutton was killed on the 29th August 1958, whilst leading his company in an attack against communist terrorists (CTs) in Malaya. At the time of his death he was attached to the 7th Battalion, The Malay Regiment, as a Company Commander.
Major Sutton was 37 years old, married man with 3 children. He was born in the Dutch East Indies in 1921. He started his military service with the RASC, serving as a ranker between 1941-43. He was then commissioned into the Hertfordshire Regiment, where he lost an eye in action in North Africa. He was mentioned in despatches in July 1945, followed by the award of the Military Cross in December 1945.
He then joined 1 RWF, serving with them for 4 years in Germany. Regimental Records places him as a Platoon Commander with B Company, 1 RWF in 1947; one of his fellow officers is Lt RJM Sinnett. He also served as Adjutant of 2 RWF between 1952-54, and had periods of command at training units before his attachment to the Malay Regiment.
Major Sutton lost his life during an attack he was leading. He shot dead a CT who fell to the ground firing off a round as he did so. The round struck the magazine of Major Sutton’s sten gun, causing fatal abdominal injuries. He remained in action, continuing to lead his men, dying some hours later of a ruptured spleen. His Commanding Officer later wrote ”Peter Sutton died most gallantly, as anyone who knew him would expect”.
Major Sutton MC was clearly an exceptional soldier. The limited information available about him paints a picture of a very brave man, with outstanding qualities of leadership. He was buried at the Cheras Road Christian Cemetery (Military Annex), Kuala Lumpur.
[SUTTON, P.G.F. (MC). Major. 258248. The Royal Welch Fusiliers. 29th August, 1958. Row 33. Grave No. 1261]
MAJOR DIES IN MALAYAN AMBUSH
The Times 6 September 1958
Major Sutton of the Royal Welch Fusiliers attached to the Malay Regiment has been killed in Malaya in an ambush the War Office announced last night. He was leading a patrol at the time.
Sources:
Y Ddraig Goch Winter 1958
Regimental Records Vol 6 IBSN 0 9525408 8 6
