Soldiers of the Regiment
Private Albert Halton VC
From the Lancaster Guardian 1st December 1917
Private A Halton
Much satisfaction has been expressed in Carnforth and district at the
receipt of the official award of the coveted Victoria Cross to 241475
Private Albert Halton, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. He is 24
years of age, and the third son of Mr and Mrs Jonathan Halton, 19
Highfield Terrace, Carnforth. His father is one of the oldest employees
of Carnforth Ironworks, and is naturally proud of his son’s achievement.
He was born at Mill Head, Warton, and educated at the National School,
Carnforth, under the late Mr D P Miller and Mr Strangeways, who is still
on the staff. On leaving school at 13 he entered farm service, his first
place being with Mr Huntington, of Brookholme Farm, Lancaster, going
daily with the mill. His later situations were in the service of Mr
Taylor, Arkholme; Mr Williams, Dale House, Swarthwaite; and Mrs Barnes,
Thorn Top, near Kendal. He worked for a brief period on the London and
North Western Railway, and was in the service of Mr Rigg, contractor,
Carnforth, when he joined, in July 1915, the 5th King’s Own. He had been
in France about two years. He was wounded on the Somme on 22 Oct 1916
and was treated in hospital at Aberdeen. After recuperation he rejoined
the King’s Own in March 1917 and on returning to the front was drafted
to the 1st Battalion.
According to the Gazette the award is for the following deed:-
Private Albert Halton, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment (Carnforth).
For most conspicuous bravery in attack. After the objective had been
reached, Private Halton rushed forward about 300 yards under very heavy
rifle and shell fire, and captured a machine gun and its crew, which was
causing many losses to our men. He then went out again and brought in
about twelve prisoners, showing the greatest disregard of his own safety
and setting a very fine example to those around him.”
At a special meeting of the Carnforth District Council on Tuesday, it
was decided to open a subscription list with a view to recognising the
gallantry of Private Albert Halton VC.
Private Albert Halton VC
Accession Number:
KO2590/377
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