Express & Star

Stourbridge hero's awards for his bravery in Army

A hero soldier who saved his comrades from a freezing river has received two special medals in recognition of his bravery – after his son ensured he didn’t miss out on the accolade.

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Hero soldier Arthur Hilton at Himley Hall with the two medals he received for his bravery during his service in the Army

The medals were made available for heroes who received the original George Medal for bravery while on military duty.

And Arthur Hilton, from Wordsley, near Stourbridge, was the latest to be awarded the commemorative medals during Armed Forces Day celebrations on Sunday.

The 84-year-old received his George Medal from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, in 1954.

He was recognised after he dived into freezing water, despite the fact he couldn’t swim, to save his friends when the vehicle he was travelling in overturned in Germany.

After son Nigel discovered his father was entitled to the medals he contacted the Army, who arranged for them to be sent to him.

The heroic ex-serviceman was presented with them by the Mayor of Dudley, David Stanley, at Himley Hall.

He said: “It feels great, it’s very nice.

“If it wasn’t for my son I wouldn’t have them. I’m very proud.”

Arthur’s wife Margaret said: “My son arranged it. He is quite happy with them, it is lovely that he has received them.”

Arthur, who was a private in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, was in a 4x4 vehicle crossing the River Aller as it travelled through freezing fog in December 1953 when disaster struck and it plunged into the water below.

The soldier, who was just 18 at the time, sprang into action without thinking about his own safety to rescue his fellow soldiers.

The car was quickly submerged and Arthur acted fast to release his commanding officer and the driver before pulling them onto the roof of the vehicle. He then managed to haul both men back onto the bridge, saving them from certain death.

Nigel, also from Wordsley, said: “He was awarded for going into the freezing cold water. It’s just fantastic.

“I’m glad he’s had all the VIP treatment – he deserves it for his actions.”