Joe Hughes (British Army soldier)

Recipient of the George Cross

Joseph Hughes

Born| (1926-09-01)1 September 1926
Glasgow, Scotland
Died| 23 March 1946(1946-03-23) (aged 19)
Hong Kong
Allegiance| United Kingdom
Service / branch| British Army
Rank| Driver
Service number| T/14858103
Unit| Royal Army Service Corps
Battles / wars| Second World War
Awards| George Cross

Joseph Hughes, GC (1 September 1926 – 23 March 1946) was a British soldier and a recipient of the George Cross, awarded 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.[1]

## Military career

[edit]

The 19-year-old Hughes 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]

Hughes' grave at Hong Kong Cemetery

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "RASC Association". Retrieved 14 March 2013.
2. ^ "Gorbals Live – People". Archived from the original on 30 September 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2007.

## External links

[edit]

* CWGC: Joseph Hughes

Authority control databases: People |

* Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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