Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30400, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30400/supplements/12330. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 331958 Private (Acting Lance-Corporal) John Brown Hamilton, Highland Light Infantry (Lanarkshire). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 25th/26th September 1917 north of the Ypres-Menin Road, Belgium, during the enemy's attack on the line held by our brigades. The greatest difficulty was experienced in keeping the front and support lines supplied with small arm ammunition owing to the intense and continuous belt of artillery fire placed systematically by the enemy between our various lines and battalion headquarters. It was of vital importance for the successful maintenance of the defence of the position that ammunition should be got forward. At a time when this ammunition supply had reached a seriously low ebb, Lance-Corporal Hamilton on several occasions, on his own initiative, carried bandoliers of ammunition through the enemy's belts of fire to the front and support line, and then, passing along these lines in full view of the enemy's snipers and machine-guns – who were lying out in front of our line at close range – distributed the ammunition to the men. In so doing he not only ensured the steady continuance of the defence by rifle fire, but by his splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty inspired all who saw him with fresh confidence and renewed their determination to hold on at all costs.
Fold3_Team · 30/10/2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30400, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30400/supplements/12330. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 331958 Private (Acting Lance-Corporal) John Brown Hamilton, Highland Light Infantry (Lanarkshire). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 25th/26th September 1917 north of the Ypres-Menin Road, Belgium, during the enemy's attack on the line held by our brigades. The greatest difficulty was experienced in keeping the front and support lines supplied with small arm ammunition owing to the intense and continuous belt of artillery fire placed systematically by the enemy between our various lines and battalion headquarters. It was of vital importance for the successful maintenance of the defence of the position that ammunition should be got forward. At a time when this ammunition supply had reached a seriously low ebb, Lance-Corporal Hamilton on several occasions, on his own initiative, carried bandoliers of ammunition through the enemy's belts of fire to the front and support line, and then, passing along these lines in full view of the enemy's snipers and machine-guns – who were lying out in front of our line at close range – distributed the ammunition to the men. In so doing he not only ensured the steady continuance of the defence by rifle fire, but by his splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty inspired all who saw him with fresh confidence and renewed their determination to hold on at all costs.