Joe Hughes (British Army soldier)

Joseph Hughes
GC
Born 1925/26
Glasgow, Scotland
Died 21 March 1946
Hong Kong
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Driver
Service number T/14858103
Unit Royal Army Service Corps
Awards George Cross

Driver Joseph Hughes GC of the Royal Army Service Corps[1] was awarded the George Cross for the gallantry he displayed on 21 March 1946 in Lyemun Barracks in Hong Kong. Notice of his award appeared in the London Gazette of 26 June 1947.

The 19-year-old was driving a 3-ton truck full of cleared ammunition and explosives into the magazine area when it caught fire. Knowing it could explode at any moment, he tried to remove the burning camouflage netting and, when that failed, tackled the developing blaze with fire extinguishers. Despite his efforts the lorry exploded and Hughes died two days later of his wounds.

A plaque containing a replica of his medal and summary of his action hangs in the St. Francis Centre in the Gorbals in Glasgow, where Hughes was born.[2]

Grave of Driver Joseph Hughes GC at Hong Kong Cemetery

References

  1. ↑ "RASC Association". Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  2. ↑ http://www.gorbalslive.org.uk/data/about/people.htm
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