Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

40th Royal Tank Regiment, 23rd Armoured Brigade, 51st (Highland) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 18th, 1943

"Major Hughes was in command of the leading squadron of tanks during the advance of the Highland Division from the WADI CHEBIR along the coast road to TRIPOLI. Throughout this operation Major Hughes showed marked powers of leadership and drive. During the first evening (16 Jan 43) NORTH of GHEDDAHIA this officer pushed his squadron right into the enemy in spite of intense artillery fire concentrated on his squadron in an endeavour to halt its advance. By this action the enemy was undoubtedly forced to withdraw sooner than he intended. By his rapid appreciation of the situation at TAUORGA on 17 Jan 43 the enemy rearguard was soon outflanked and forced to withdraw resulting in the capture of five guns. During the night advance across the desert from TAUORGA Major Hughes navigated his squadron, which was followed by the Highland Division, over difficult country and arrived at the exact area 1 mile SW of MISURATA at 3 o'clock in the morning of 18 Jan 43.

During the night 20/21 Jan Major Hughes again led the advance from HOMS to CORRADINI. This he carried out with great dash which surprised the enemy, penetrating well into his position before being halted by accurate 90mm Anti-Tank fire. Major Hughes successfully extricated his squadron and the nsupported the 5th Seaforth Highlanders in their attack on the enemy position during the early hours of the morning resulting in the capture of important ground and the withdrawal of the enemy.

Throughout all these operations Major Hughes showed utter disregard for his own safety and had only one object in view, that was to get on."

LG 35933/1299.