Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry

Awarded on:

October 7th, 1944

Citation:
"Lieutenant Hugh Eltham Harrison was in command of Number 10 Platoon of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry during the attack on Verrieres on the 25 July 1944. His Company's task consisted of two phases. First to secure the road running east and west through Verrieres; secondly on orders from the Company Commander to proceed and secure the south edge of the town.
The first phase was successfully completed but Lieutenant Harrison's platoon and the other forward platoon lost touch with Company Headquarters due to heavy mortar and machine gun fire. Lieutenant Harrison quickly appreciated the situation and without regard to his personal safety organized the two forward platoons for the capture of the final Company objective. This involved extremely heavy house fighting during which Lieutenant Harrison personally led two platoons alternatively and on completion reorganized the Company and commenced consolidation.
A strong enemy counter-attack developed almost immediately. Lieutenant Harrison moved from position to position under intense enemy fire encouraging the men, supervising the fighting, developing the defence and organizing the evacuation of casualties until the counter-attack was successfully beaten off.
Lieutenant Harrison's initiative, courage and leadership were instrumental in the success of the Company attack and were an inspiration to his troops.