Gerard Ross Norton VC MM (7 September 1915-29 October 2004) was a South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was 28 years old, and a lieutenant in the Kaffrarian Rifles, South African Forces, attached to 1/4th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment) during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 31 August 1944 during the attack on Monte Gidolfo, Italy, Lieutenant Norton's platoon was pinned down by heavy fire. On his own initiative and with complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced alone and attacked the first machine-gun emplacement, killing the crew of three. He then went on to the second position containing two machine-guns and 15 riflemen, and wiped out both machine-gun nests, killing or taking prisoner the remainder of the enemy. Throughout these attacks he was continuously under fire from a self-propelled gun, nevertheless he calmly went on to lead his platoon against the remaining enemy positions. He later achieved the rank of Captain. Gerard Ross Norton died on 29 October 2004.
References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
