A good Second War 'immediate' Burma D.C.M. group of six awarded to Corporal H. Clout, 1st...

A good Second War ‘immediate’ Burma D.C.M. group of six awarded to Corporal H. Clout, 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, for his repeated gallantry during the attacks on “Spit and Polish” hills near the village of Dongyaung, 7-8 April 1944. Despite being twice wounded he ‘performed many hazardous missions, and 3 individual gallant actions.... His great gallantry in knocking out a bunker, and rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire inspired and amazed all around him’ Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (6399689 Cpl. A. Clout. Linc. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, campaign awards privately impressed ‘6399689 Cpl A. Clout D.C.M. R. Lincoln. Regt.’; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (6399689 Cpl. A. Clout. D.C.M. Linc. R.) note initial ‘A’, very fine (6) £2,800-£3,200 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 22 June 1944: ‘On 7th April, 1944, at Dongyaung, Burma, Pte. Clout was Coy runner, when his Coy assaulted and held an enemy position. In the initial assault, Pte. Clout was with his Coy Comd. When the enemy first opened fire, the Coy Comd was hit, and Pte Clout at once found the enemy and killed him with his rifle. During the assault, he remained with his Coy Comd, supplying him with Verey lights; at the same time, 2 bunkers were met, and fire came from them. Without hesitation, and in the lead, Pte Clout ran to the first bunker and threw in a grenade, fired his rifle and silenced the enemy single-handed. In the second assault, Pte Clout once again was at his Comd's side. The final objective was captured, the forward troops slightly beyond were separated from the main body by heavy fire, and an open ridge. Pte Clout went forward through the fire, obtained a report, and came back to HQ. HQ then came under fire, Pte Clout returned the fire, supplied his Comd once again with grenades and Verey lights, and then went back to the rear Pl. for information. Whilst doing so, he again met fire, but went on. On the afternoon of 7 April 1944, a man was wounded in a trench. Pte Clout went to rescue him. Pte Clout crawled along the ridge and was hit in the buttock. He crawled on and got to the man. The man was then hit again by a burst of fire. Pte Clout pulled him out slowly, enemy fire still continuing, and brought him single-handed to safety. On the morning of 8th April 1944, the enemy shelled Coy H.Q. continually for ten minutes. Pte Clout was in a trench, but knowing his Coy Comd was out in the open, went to look for him. He saw his Commander, but was then hit by a splinter in the back and neck, he tried to go on but fell. He was brought to safety. Throughout a period of 36 hours, Pte Clout performed many hazardous missions, and 3 individual gallant actions. His coolness and bravery and his disregard for his personal safety were beyond all praise. His great gallantry in knocking out a bunker, and rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire inspired and amazed all around him. His was a magnificent effort which showed a sense of devotion to duty which would be hard to equal.’ Herbert Clout served during the Second World War with the 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment as part of the 71st Indian Infantry Brigade, 26 Indian Division in Burma. Clout distinguished himself during the Lincolns’ attacks on the “Spit and Polish” hills near the village of Dongyaung, 7-8 April 1944.