Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

8th Battalion King's Royal Irish Hussars, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

September 25th, 1945

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 19 April 1945 near Hamburg, Germany. When the King's Royal Irish Hussars encountered heavy enemy opposition, consisting of four 88-mm. guns well dug in and protected by infantry, Major Charlton unhesitatingly went forward to reconnoiter the area. Then, leading his squadron, he heroically attacked the position which, under his bold leadership, was overrun, its guns destroyed and prisoners taken. Shortly thereafter, he carried out a similar operation with the same disregard for personal safety. Throughout the action, Major Charlton was in the vanguard, giving encouragement and inspiring all ranks by his outstanding fearlessness, bravery and aggressiveness

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At TOSTEDT, 3122, on 19 April Maj CHARLTON, commander "B" Squadron, and one Wot P1, 1 RB, was ordered to act as advance guard commander to 8H Regiment Group. The Group had been ordered to advance and capture the high ground in the area ELSTORF, 3638 (6 miles SW of HAMBURG). Opposition was first encountered at HOLLENSTEDT, 3132; this was by-passed and the road junction at 3732 was reached during the morning. There the enemy made a stand with four 88 mm guns, well dug in and covered with infantry. Major CHARLTON at once went forward to reconnaissance the area. Returning, he put himself at the lead of his Squadron and attacked the position, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism. In a short while the enemy position was completely overrun, the gun destroyed, and several prisoners taken. South of ELSTORF the advance guard again came under heavy HE and AP fire.

Major CHARLTON immediately deployed his Squadron to the WEST and made a last light attempt to capture the village. The opposition was, however, too strong. He was ordered therefore to wait until the morning. At first light this officer again led his Squadron forward; after a brief but sharp fight the village was overrun, a further 88 mm destroyed and several more PWs captured. Most of the time he was forward giving encouragement and inspiring all ranks under his command. His own personal courage was largely responsible for the speed and success of the whole operation."

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 264

Rank:

Major

Unit:

The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1961