MORRIS Hugh Capt

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Surname: MORRIS;

Forename(s): Hugh;

Initials: H;

Rank: Capt;

Previous Number: 35358;

Previous Regiment: MGC;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 88 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 88 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 29 Bn;

Awarded: MC, bar to MC;

Gallantry Notes: MC: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whhen in command of a reserve section. When hearing that all the officers who had gone forward had become casualties, he volunteered to go forward and take command. He immediately reorganised the machine gun defence of the line and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy who were reinforcing the front line. (date of deed 09/10/1917)

Bar to MC: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer was sent by night to withdraw six guns. On arrival, he found it impossible to do so, as they were heavily engaged. He assisted to organise the ammunition supply, going forward several times through heavy shell fire. The following morning he was severely wounded, but after being dressed, returned to the firing line and organised stragglers remaining at duty until the position was more or less restored. His courage and coolness did much towards saving the situation.;

Other Data: disch to Commsn 25/9/1917
See Article & photo: Emma Gee, summer 2000
photo: Machinegun men - OCA archive

Original Recommendation for Bar to MC, from the Meiklejohn papers on 29 Bn MGC held at IWM: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This Officer was sent on the night of the 14th April 1918 to withdraw six guns under Lieut Lys and bring them back to the Bn. On arriving on the afternoon of the 15th however, he found that it was impossible to withdraw Lieut Lys section as they were heavily engaged. He assisted to organise the ammunition supply and himself, on several occasions, went out to forward guns through very heavy shelling. On the morning of the 16rg he was severly wounded, but after being dressed, returned to the firing line and organised infantry stragglers with whom he maintained a position of the line during a most critical period. He refused to be evacuated and remained on duty until the 17th when the position was more or less restored. This Officer, by his courage and coolness did a great share in saving the situation, he has now been evacuated to England against his will. (Recommended by Lt Col JR Meiklejohn, Cdg 29 Bn MGC - bar to MC - 29 Div 80/164 19/6/1918) (Immediate award)

88 Coy war diary 1/11/1917 - presented with MC ribbon by GOC Div Sir B de Lisle

BWM/VIC medals claimed 24/4/1936;

Other Notes: MC: LG 26/11/1917 (6/4/1918)
bar to MC: LG 16/9/1918;

END OF RECORD.

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