| Citation: | 3 Grenadier Guards, Malaya 28 May 1949, Leading an Infantry Section.Citation: On 28 May 1949, Sjt Clutton was ordered to take his section by a circuitous route to the edge of the jungle in SUNGEI KANTAN near KAJANG, with the object of cutting off the retreat of a gang of 20 well-armed bandits who were known to be in the this rubber in the area. The plan was for the Police to drive the enemy into the fore of the 3 sections who were acting as stops. Sgt Clutton succeeded in manoeuvring his section into a concealed position in tall Lallang Grass, astride what he considered would be the bandits' line of withdrawal. The speedy taking up of the position required a good and quick appreciation of the ground and as soon as the section were in position bursts of fire were heard, indicating that the police were already engaging the bandits. 15 of the enemy appeared, making straight for Sjt Clutton's two Rifle Groups. he held his fire, hoping that they would continue on until he could kill them all. However, the bandits then saw movement from another direction of the thick rubber and at once became suspicious and ran back to cover.Immediately Sjt. Clutton saw that the surprise was lost and that now was his only chance, he ordered his section to open fire even though the range was long. Four bandits were hit and fell, and under cover of automatic fire the enemy withdrew into the cover, dragging their wounded. Sjt. Clutton following up the blood trail for 400 yards, eventually came upon a bandit lying in a gully. Ordering his section to cover him, Sjt Clutton then went forward himself to investigate. As he approached the bandit exploded a grenade which seriously wounded Sjt Clutton and blew himself up. Regardless of his wounds Sjt Clutton continued to urge his section on to follow up the remaining bandits and would not submit to medical attention until he was satisfied his section were continuing the pursuit. Throughout the action Sjt Clutton set a very fine example to is men of leadership, bravery and devotion to duty and he is deserving of the highest praise.Recommended by: CO 3 Grenadier Guards, Brig, 2 Guards Bde, Maj-Gen. Malaya District, C in C Malaya Command. |
