Introduction
Captain Simmon Latutin GC (25 July 1916 – 30 December 1944) was a British Army officer who was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest British (and Commonwealth) award for bravery out of combat. He won his award for the gallantry he showed in rescuing two comrades, and attempting to save a boy, from a blazing ammunition store on 29 December 1944 in Mogadishu, Somaliland.
Early life
Latutin was born in Camden Town, London on 25 July 1916 the son of Morris and Frieda Latutin, his father was a Tailor. In the 1939 National Register he is living with his parents in the St Pancras district of London, his occupation is recorded as a Musician.
Army service
He was commissioned into The Somerset Light Infantry in 1942, and was seconded to the Somalia Gendarmerie at the time of his GC action. He died of his burns the next day.He was born on 25 July 1916 in London and had been educated at Regent Street Polytechnic and the Royal Academy of Music, where a memorial to himwas unveiled in 2006.Notice of his award appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette of the 6 September 1946, dated 10 September 1946. He is buried in the Nairobi War Cemetery.
George Cross citation
Latutin's George Cross citation appeared in the London Gazette on 6 August 1946:
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner to Captain Simmon Latutin 242974 Somalia Gendarmerie (Harrow Middlesex).
— London Gazette