Machine Gun Corps.

Awarded the Military Mead in the London Gazette of 29 August 1918.

Hitchen was a native of Padiham, Lancashire.

The Burnley Express reported, STUCK TO HIS GUN. A Padiham Medallist. Lance-Corporal George Hitchon, M.G.C., son of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchon of 21, Thompson Street, Padiham, has been awarded the Military Medal for "heroic work on the field of St. Quentin. On 21 March and the 30 March 1918, he displayed much bravery by sticking to his gun under heavy shell fire." The young soldier, 22 years of age, has also been recommended on two occasions for the D.C.M. as the following letter from his Lieutenant shows: - "Dear Mrs. Hitchon, pardon the liberty in writing to you, but in doing so I have the pleasure in informing you that your son was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in sticking to his gun under heavy fire at St. Quentin on 21 March and 30 March 1918, and has been twice recommended for the D.C.M. He is a son to be proud of. He's as keen, eager, and willing as any you will find, and a boy to be thoroughly trusted to do anything. I am his section officer, and take a great deal of interest in your son, as he is one of my best men." Yours Faithfully Cecil R. Arnott, Lieutenant. L/Cpl Hitchon (119334), is serving with the Machine Gun Corps in France. Previous to joining the Army in September 1915, he was a firebeater at Messrs. Riley's Chemical Work's, Hapton, and was identified with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Padiham, where he is on the roll of honour. He was first drafted to Egypt, and then to France, were for twelve months he has seen much severe fighting. Another brother, Sergeant Edmund Hitchon, also of the Machine Gun Corps, is in France, having been previously in Egypt and the Dardanelles. He has served since the outbreak of war, and has been once wounded.