THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

CLIFTON George Herbert

31363, Lieutenant Colonel, New Zealand Engineers, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 26 December 1941 Issue 35396, p7334

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations in Greece between 10th March and 29th April 1941 and especially for his

untiring efforts during the withdrawal from Katerine and Servia Passes on the 16th April and succeeding days. Colonel Clifton was responsible for

the demolition policy during the withdrawal of the ANZAC Corps. The success of these operations to a great extent depended on the work carried

out by this officer which was of a very high order. Later when explosives were not available, he scoured the country and finally discovered depth

charges in a wrecked Greek destroyer and carried out demolitions right up to the line of the beaches in the Peloponessus. The work of this officer

was excellent. He displayed energy and ability which was an inspiration to everyone with whom he came in contact

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 20 February 1942 Supplement 35465, p893

For conspicuous gallantry, outstanding leadership and initiative. On 28/29 November 1941 Colonel Clifton volunteered to lead a convoy of 250

vehicles for some 25 miles through enemy lines, from the Gabr Saleh area. The convoy carried supplies, pol, water and ammunition for 1 NZ

Division, and it was vital that it should get through to Tobruk. That the convoy reached its destination safely in spite of the fact that it had to travel

through country in occupation by the enemy, was due to Colonel Clifton’s personality and example, which inspired confidence in the drivers, all of

whom showed marked coolness and fortitude when fired on by the enemy

2nd bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 18 September 1945 Supplement 37274, p4684

On the 4th September 1942, Brigadier Clifton accompanied by another officer, a wireless and a driver was investigating a forward detachment near Alamein when he was taken prisoner by enemy commanded by a German officer. After being interrogated by Field Marshall Rommel, he was driven away in a truck. Taking advantage of the dust, he rolled out but was seen by a guard. The next day he escaped from a camp at Metren by climbing through a small window. He walked for six days and was only 10 miles from British lines when he was caught by three German officers. He was then sent to Veano in Italy but during February 1943, he again escaped through a window. He reached the Swiss frontier before he was caught and after receiving his punishment at Veano was sent to Gavi. Although it was deemed impossible to escape from Gavi, Brigadier Clifton attempted to do so in April 1943 and was caught on the roof. The plans Brigadier Clifton had perfected to evacuate all prisoners of war at the time of the Italian Armistice were frustrated by the treachery of the Italian Commandant, and the Germans were allowed to occupy the camp without opposition. Feverish efforts were made to open up a disused tunnel but before this work could be completed the Germans began to transfer the prisoners of war to Germany. Many officers hid, including Brigadier Clifton. However their absence was detected, a search commenced and the majority were discovered. On the 16th September 1943, Brigadier Clifton was taken to Germany. After the train had turned north at Ausburg, Brigadier Clifton jumped out of a window, but was seen by the engine driver who raised the alarm. He was apprehended by an NCO who shot at close range, smashing Brigadier Clifton’s thigh bone and it was some months before he could walk again. In March 1945 Brigadier Clifton was at Oflag XII B, and taking advantage of an air attack he escaped through the wire on the 22nd March. Although his route lay through a forbidden zone, he walked for four days and three nights until he was just behind the German lines near Weis. He hid until the enemy retreated during the night and reported to an American unit next morning

Military Cross

Gazetted

Awarded for service in Waziristan during Northwest Frontier service 1919-1921

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order and 2 bars

Military Cross

India General Service Medal 1908

       Waziristan, Mahsud 1919-20

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

France and Germany Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

NOTES

Born 18 September 1898, Greenmeadows, Napier, New Zealand

Died 13 March 1970, Taupo, New Zealand