CPL William (Bill) Burton MM - Died 9th May 1944

[ap1]

Battle of Kohima: 1RWF 9 May 1944 - Cpl Burton MM

Cpl Burton MM grave Delhi.JPG


Cpl William(Bill) Burton MM, died today at Military Hospital No 3, Dimapur as a result of injuries received on the 18 April 1944. Also in the same ward was Bill Breeze, also 1st Bn. In 1982 Bill wrote a bittersweet article for the RWF Regimental magazine "Y Ddraig Goch", detailing Bill's last few hours. (attached below)

For those who haven't read about the "Lone Tree" incident in which Bill won his MM, here is a reminder: ………………….


Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 18 Apr 1944 - 1515hrs.

A strong enemy attack launched against A Company's positions at Lone Tree Hill, the crest which they share with the enemy. During the assault 9 Platoon are overrun. The RWF survivors are quickly taken away by the Japanese. (They will almost certainly be killed later).

The Pl Commander Lt TG Callaghan assisted by the CSM, immediately launches a counter attack using the surviving members of his platoon. By utilising a covered approach on the left flank, he catches the enemy by complete surprise. Lt Callaghan and his small group of men manage to kill eighteen of the enemy and rescue their captured men!

Lt Callaghan received the Military Cross.

Cpl William Burton received the Military Medal for supporting his Platoon Commander. He personally killed five of the enemy. Sadly he was mortally wounded by a sniper during the action and died in a military hospital a week or so later.

Fusilier Sidney Vickers was one of the first men to rally to his Platoon Commander, snatching a Bren Gun from a dead comrade, he personally accounted for seven of the enemy dead. For his gallantry he was awarded the Military Medal.

This attack by the Japanese cost the battalion at least 5 x KIA(including Cpl Burton), with approximately a further 6 x WIA.
The enemy lost between 18-25 men in the failed attack."

We will remember them.

Cpl Burtons Death at Dimapur Hospital.jpg

[sixties]

Thanks.

[Drew5233]

Did I send you the citation for this MM? I'm back off holiday and caught up with everything so feel free to email me any you require in the usual format.

Cheers
A

[ap1]

Yes you did Drew, and thanks for all your assistance during the Kohima Project, much appreciated mate. I have an Indian Gurkha friend who lives in Delhi, I'm going to speak to him and get a more up to date image of the gravestone. Might have a look if any other RWF are in the same cemetery.