WW2 Mareth Line Distinguished Conduct Medal (immediate) Group of Seven – Pte. J. Hudson, Durham Light Infantry

A second world war 1943 Mareth Line immediate DCM medal group of seven awarded to 3660867 Private James Hudson, Durham Light Infantry. 

George VI Distinguished Conduct Medal named to 3660867 Pte. J. Hudson. Durh. L.I. 
1939-45 Star unnamed as issued 
Africa Star (Clasp – 8th Army) unnamed as issued 
Italy Star unnamed as issued 
France & Germany Star unnamed as issued 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 
War Medal 1939-45 unnamed as issued 

The medals are in good condition and are swing mounted for wear. 

D.C.M. – London Gazette, 17th June 1943.
The original recommendation – upgraded from an M.M. – states:

 ‘On the night of 21st/22nd March, during the 151 Brigade attack on the Mareth defences, Private Hudson was with “C” Company 6th D.L.I.

 On sighting an enemy machine gun post he immediately led a group of men forward with fixed bayonets and charged the position. His rifle bolt was damaged and the rifle could not be fired, but he still led on this party relying solely on the use of his bayonet. He succeeded in capturing the post, killing many of the enemy personally.

 This action of Private Hudson’s enabled the rest of his Company to move forward onto the position. Before leading the charge, his Company Commander had been seriously wounded beside him. He showed outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own safety.’

The Regimental History records –

 ‘The attack was timed to take place at full moon during the night of 18th, the Durham assault Battalions advanced. From the Chet Meskine at 2300 hours on the 20th. Against a heavy but not very accurate fire of all arms “C” and “D” Companies of the 9th Battalion succeeded in crossing the anti-tank ditch, and wading across the wadi and scrambling up the far bank by forming a human ladder, fought their way with the bayonet into the thick of the position. “B” Company finally overcoming Ksiba Ouest. The 8th Battalion had a similar experience in overrunning Ouerzi, where the Italians fought stubbornly. Lt Colonel Jackson was killed, but by morning both Battalions had reached their objectives with very severe fighting but without undue loss. On the other hand, the 6th Battalion was unable to launch its attack until dark fell again, and the supply of reinforcements remained precarious throughout the 21st. When it did advance, however, the 6th secured its objectives, Ouerzi Ouest and Zarat Sudest, with comparative ease’.

Private James Hudson, a native of Bradford, later landed with the 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on “D” Day at La Riviere. On 17th June 1944 he was reported missing in the War Office Casualty List TNA WO417/78. On this day active patrolling south and south east took place in an endeavour to come into contact with enemy units. Enemy positions in some strength were located at the Parc de la Mere and Chateau Coridillon areas. Hudson went missing with Private J F Robinson and Private E Swann of the same Battalion, it is likely they were cut off by German forces and had to go to ground for a period of a few days in order to re-join allied lines when safe to do so. War Office Casualty List TNA WO417/79 records he is no longer missing.