Albert Halton VC (1 May 1893 – 24 July 1971) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Albert Halton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1 May 1893 Warton, near Carnforth, Lancashire |
| Died | 24 July 1971 Lancaster, Lancashire |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) Home Guard |
| Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Details
editHalton was born in Warton near Carnforth, Lancashire.[1] He was 24 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster),[2] British Army during the First Battle of Passchendaele of First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 October 1917 near Poelcapelle, Belgium, after the objective had been reached, Private Halton rushed forward about 300 yards under very heavy fire and captured a machine-gun and its crew which was causing heavy losses to our men. He then went out again and brought in 12 prisoners, showing the greatest disregard for his own safety and setting a fine example to those round him.[3]
After the war Halton was an ironworker until his retirement in 1961, and during World War II he served in the Home Guard.
A commemorative plaque was installed in Sparrow Park, Warton, unveiled on 12 October 2017 by the Deputy Mayor of Lancaster.[1]
The medal
editHis VC is displayed at the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) Museum, in Lancaster, England.
References
edit- ^ a b "Tribute Set In Stone For Local First World War Hero". The Bay. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
- ^ "Regimental History". Archived from the original on 11 May 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
- ^ "No. 30400". The London Gazette (Supplement). 23 November 1917. p. 12330.
Bibliography
edit- Snelling, Stephen (2012) [1998]. Passchendaele 1917. VCs of the First World War. The History Press. ISBN 978-0752476667.
External links
edit- "Private Albert Halton VC". Regimental History - Soldiers of the Regiment: Victoria Cross Holders of the King's Own Royal Regiment. King's Own Royal Regiment Museum, Lancaster.
- Location of grave and VC medal (Lancashire)