| Joseph Hughes GC | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1925/26 |
| Died | March 21, 1946 |
| Place of birth | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Place of death | 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 the 21st of March, 1946 in Lyemun Barracks in Hong Kong. Notice of his award appeared in the London Gazette of the 26th of June, 1947. [1]
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[]
- ↑ "RASC Association". http://www.rascrctassociation.co.uk/hughes.html. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.gorbalslive.org.uk/data/about/people.htm
The original article can be found at Joe Hughes (GC) and the edit history here.