MORTON George Lieut

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: MORTON;

Forename(s): George;

Initials: G;

Rank: Lieut;

Resided in: Rugeley;

Previous Regiment: N Staffs Regt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 29 Bn;

Date abroad: 12-Jul-1916;

Theatre of War: 1;

Awarded: MC;

Gallantry Notes: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his machine guns were advancing to cover infantry they came under intense fire of all kinds. Two infantry platoons became disorganised and the advance stopped. This officer promptly went forward with one man of his section and led them forward 300 yards and outflanked and silenced the enemy machine guns which were holding up the advance. While returning to his section he was severely wounded. He displayed great courage an initiavive and rendered very valuable service.;

Other Data: Lime Tree Cottage, Etchinghill, Rugeley, Staffs
Gallantry Awards to 29 Bn MGC" - Meiklejohn : "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 4 Sept 1918. When the machine guns under Lieut Morton's command were advancing to cover the infantry advance towards Hyde Park Corner in Ploegsteert Wood, they came under intense machine-gun and shellfire, which made further advance almost impossible. Two infantry platoons attacking on part of the front that Lt Morton's section was covering, having had their Officers knocked out, became disorganised and the advance stopped. Lieut Morton, realising the situation, went forward with one man of his section under heavy fire and succeeded in reorganising the infantry. He then led them forward 300 yards and was able to outflank and silence the hostile machine guns which werer holding up the advance. This officer, by his courage and initiative undoubtedly saved a critical situation on his immediate front. Shortly afterwards, when returning to his section to make the machine gun dispositions for holding the ground won, he was very severely wounded, by a bullet which smashed his thigh."

Medal Group offered Noonans, Mayfair, Nov'23:
A Great War 1918 ‘Ploegsteert’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major G. Morton, North Staffordshire Regiment and Machine Gun Corps, who was three times wounded in action, and later served with the Australian Intelligence Corps during the Second World War

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2nd. Lieut. G. Morton. N. Staff. Regt.) unofficially re-engraved naming; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. G. Morton.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, these both officially impressed ‘QX42692 G. Morton’; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Australia, the reverse privately engraved ‘QX42692 Maj. G. Morton A.I.F.’, with sew-on top riband bar, very fine and better (7) £1,200-£1,600
---
Importation Duty
This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK
---

---

M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty [at Ploegsteert on 7 September 1918]. When his machine guns were advancing to cover infantry they came under intense fire of all kinds. Two infantry platoons became disorganised and the advance stopped. This officer promptly went forward, with one man of his section, reorganised the infantry, and led them forward 300 yards and outflanked and silenced the enemy machine guns which were holding up the advance. While returning to his section he was severely wounded. He displayed great courage and initiative and rendered very valuable service.’

George Morton was born on 22 March 1896 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment on 13 July 1915. He served with the 8th Battalion (and later on attachment to the Northumberland Fusiliers) during the Great War on the Western Front from July to August 1915; June to October 1916; June to October 1917; and June to September 1918, and was wounded on three occasions. He was promoted Lieutenant on 27 April 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with the 29th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. He was discharged on 28 October 1920.

Emigrating to Australia, Morton joined the Australian Army Reserve of Officers as a Captain on 30 December 1935, and served during the Second World War in the Australian Intelligence Corps, being promoted Major on 31 May 1943. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1947 (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1947).;

Other Notes: MC: LG 11/1/1919 T/Lieut;

END OF RECORD.

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.