Abraham Acton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham Acton
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| Born | 17 December 1893 Whitehaven, Cumberland, United Kingdom |
| Died | 16 May 1915 (aged 21) Festubert, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1915 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | The Border Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Abraham Acton was a brave English soldier who received the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award given for amazing bravery to British and Commonwealth forces. He earned it for his actions during World War I.
Early Life and Military Service
Abraham Acton was born on December 17, 1893. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Eleanor Acton. They lived in Whitehaven, a town in Cumberland, England.
When World War I began, Abraham joined the British Army. He became a Private in the 2nd Battalion of The Border Regiment. He was 21 years old when he showed incredible courage.
Heroic Actions in France
Abraham Acton earned his Victoria Cross for his bravery on December 21, 1914. This happened at a place called Rouges Bancs in France. Another soldier, James Alexander Smith, also received the Victoria Cross for his actions that day.
Abraham showed amazing courage by leaving his trench. A trench was a long, narrow ditch soldiers used for cover. He went out to rescue a wounded soldier. This soldier had been lying out in the open near enemy lines for 75 hours.
Later that same day, Abraham left his trench again. He did this even though there was heavy enemy fire. He went to bring another wounded man to safety. He was under fire for a whole hour while he helped these injured soldiers.
Sacrifice and Legacy
Sadly, Abraham Acton was killed in action on May 16, 1915. He died at Festubert, France, during the war. His body was never found after the battle.
Abraham Acton is remembered at the Le Touret Memorial in France. This memorial honors soldiers who died in the area and have no known grave. His Victoria Cross medal is on display at The Beacon in Whitehaven, England.
See Also
- List of Victoria Cross recipients
