Albert Halton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Halton
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| 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 |
Albert Halton was a brave English soldier who lived from 1893 to 1971. He won the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and other Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Albert Halton's Brave Actions
Early Life and Joining the Army
Albert Halton was born in a place called Warton, near Carnforth in Lancashire, England. When he was 24 years old, he was a soldier, known as a Private. He served in the 1st Battalion of the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster).
Heroism in World War I
During the First World War, Albert Halton fought in a very tough battle called the First Battle of Passchendaele. This battle happened in Belgium. On 12 October 1917, something amazing happened near a town called Poelcapelle.
After his unit had reached their goal, Private Halton saw a problem. An enemy machine-gun was causing a lot of trouble and hurting many of his fellow soldiers. He didn't hesitate.
Capturing the Machine-Gun
Albert Halton bravely ran forward about 300 yards (which is like three football fields!). He was under very heavy enemy fire, meaning bullets were flying all around him. Despite the danger, he managed to capture the machine-gun and the enemy soldiers who were using it.
Bringing in Prisoners
But he didn't stop there! After capturing the gun, he went out again into the dangerous area. This time, he brought back 12 more enemy prisoners. Albert Halton showed incredible courage and didn't worry about his own safety at all. His actions were a fantastic example to everyone fighting with him. Because of this amazing bravery, he was given the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
After World War I ended, Albert Halton became an ironworker. He worked in this job until he retired in 1961. When World War II started, he continued to serve his country. He joined the Home Guard, which was a group of volunteers who helped protect Britain at home.
Remembering a Hero
To remember Albert Halton's bravery, a special plaque was put up in Sparrow Park in Warton. It was officially shown to the public on 12 October 2017, exactly 100 years after his heroic actions. The Deputy Mayor of Lancaster helped to unveil it.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Albert Halton's actual Victoria Cross medal is a very important historical item. You can see it on display at the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) Museum. This museum is located in Lancaster, England. It helps people remember the brave soldiers of the regiment.
See Also
