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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 629

A fine campaign group of three awarded to Lance Corporal D. J. Hinton, Royal Logistic Corps, a confirmed member of 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron - the most decorated unit in the British Army - his service in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner included being in command of the call of duty to investigate and make safe all IED's and EOD's within just ten minutes

Hinton has the unusual accolade of serving with his unit during Operation Helvetic, a member of 'Holywood Troop', remarkably called to action to over 50 Improvised Explosive Device Disposal incidents between 28 March - 12 July 2010 alone

Iraq 2003-11, 1 clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003 (25145282 Pte D J Hinton RLC); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (25145282 LCpl D J Hinton RLC); Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 1994 (25145282 LCpl D J Hinton RLC), mounted court-style as worn, pin removed, good very fine (3)

No finer introduction to the remarkable lives and times of men like Hinton can be made than directing the reader to view Bomb Squad Men; The Long Walk, broadcast by the BBC, available via:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-jL3drcH_8

David John Hinton was born on 28 August 1983 and served with the Royal Logistic Corps in Iraq and Northern Ireland. He served in Northern Ireland from 2004-11 with the feted 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron. He was with the unit at the official conclusion of Operation Banner and thereafter with the opening of Operation Helvetic. Little more needs to the said of their highly important work, although Chris Ryder's A Special Kind of Courage: Bomb Disposal and the Inside Story of 321 EOD Squadron gives perhaps the finest insight into their story.

Hinton's Staff Report, by Captain Tennant, covering the dates 28 March - 12 July 2010 gives a fine insight to his work:

'LCpl Hinton has been attached to Holywood Troop, 321 EOD Sqn RLC on Op Helvetic. He has been employed during this period as a Joint Service No2 IEDD Operator within an EOD team. During this time he has been responsible for the management and operational readiness of his EOD team equipment. On task he is also responsible for the running and safety of the ICP in the Operator's absence.

LCpl Hinton volunteered to remain at 321 EOD Sqn after delivering driver training on a specialist piece of equipment. He responded to over 50 IEDD incidents during his tour, and without exception his performance whilst working as a No2 was outstanding. He has a good presence in the ICP and is entirely capable of managing interaction with the Police whilst the Operator is conducting manual activities at the target. He is able to work unsupervised and is very dependable in using proven methods and techniques to achieve results. The constant excellent state of team equipment and associated documentation in Holywood Troop is a testament to his hard work and professionalism.

LCpl Hinton has a calm manner and is clearly intelligent, well organised and capable in all IEDD situations. He is a quiet individual, though also one with a pleasant persona and excellent verbal communication skills. He integrates easily with a new team and soon proves himself to be a valuable member.

He is clearly ready to attend the High Threat No2 IEDD Operator Course and also recommended to return to 321 EOD Sqn in the future if he so desires. LCpl Hinton is clearly and consistently working to a level far above that expected at his current rank and shows all the attributes of that expected of a Cpl. This has been an excellent tour for a No2 of the highest standard.'

Hinton did pass No 903 EOD (IEDD) No 2 Joint Service Course in October 2009; sold together with copied career Confidential Staff Reports, Course Certificates and photo of 321 EOD at the end of Operation Banner, with Hinton identified on the reverse.

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Sold for
£650

Starting price
£280