Richard Henry Burton (January 29, 1923 – 11 July 1993) was an English 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.
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Details
Burton was 21 years old and a private in the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment, British Army, during the Second World War when the following deed took place. It was for this that he was awarded the Victoria Cross. "On 8 October 1944 at Monte Ceco, Italy, when an assault was held up, Private Burton rushed forward from his platoon and engaged a Spandau position with his tommy gun, killing three of the crew. Later, again showing complete disregard for his own safety he disposed of the crews of two machine-guns and thanks to his outstanding courage the company was able to consolidate the position. Afterwards, in spite of the fact that most of his comrades were either dead or wounded, he repelled two counter-attacks, directing such accurate fire that the enemy retired."
Further information
Burton moved to Scotland in later life but was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. He later achieved the rank of corporal.
The medal
The medal is privately owned and not on public display.
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)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- Bert Hunt
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Tayside)
