Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 207

A superb Korea casualty's pair awarded to Bombardier H. J. Hudson, 20 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Hook, during an action which saw Captain J. L. H. Gordon awarded the M.C.

Korea 1950-53 (1157532 Bdr. H. J. Hudson. R.A.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, good very fine (2)

Harry James Hudson was born at Bristol on 3 April 1929. His father, Harry Hudson, was a Carpenter and his mother was Dorothy Minnie (nee Cooper). They lived at 21 Caledonian Place, Bristol. Bombardier Hudson - as a member of 45 Field Battery, 20th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery - sailed from Hong Kong to Korea in December 1952. He proved to be an 'Excellent' soldier and was selected by his Troop Commander, Captain Roddy Scott, to be in charge of his small O.P. Party who were continually in the front line in support of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

When a major Chinese assault was pending on the Hook position in May 1953, Major Bill McKay, the Battery Commander of 45 Battery, told Captain Scott to send two of his most experienced O.P. Party over to the Hook position to provide additional support. What happened next is covered in the citation of the award of the Military Cross to Captain John Gordon, who was the Gunner Op. Officer of 45 Battery, attached to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment:

'GORDON, John Lionel Hugh, 21059 Capt, RA (att 1 DWR). Military Cross, Battle of the Hook, Korea, 1953. Announcement: The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following immediate wards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea.'

London Gazette, 7 July 1953, page 3744. The original recommendation states:

'Capt John Gordon was in the Command Post with the Company Commander of D Coy 1 DWR when, at approx. 2034 hrs, 100 men approached North of the HOOK and were effectively engaged with VT [airburst] shells. At 2115 hrs, the enemy overran the Forward platoon of D Coy and the two Gunners on the OP, Bdr H. Hudson and Gnr Caws were killed by a satchel charge thrown in the back of their OP. Capt Gordon continued to co-ordinate the Artillery Fire in support of the Battle and, at 0115 hrs, he called for VT on his own position in support of the Counterattack. Heavy close fighting took place and, as the enemy withdrew, they were again effectively engaged with heavy arty fire. At 0315 hrs 1 DWR was in complete possession of the HOOK again.'

The body of Bombardier Harry Hudson was found next morning with extensive wounds to his abdomen and right leg, still in front of the observation slit where he had been continuing to pass Fire Orders to Captain John Gordon. He is buried in the United Nations Cemetery, Pusan. It is worth noting that, for the rest of his life, Captain Roddy Scott felt extremely sad that he has selected the 'Excellent Bdr Hudson' for this dangerous task; sold together with copied research including burial details, photographs of the recipient's grave and the recipient himself in uniform, as well as a copied M.C. citation.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£580

Starting price
£240