Arthur Borton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Drummond Borton
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| Born | 1 July 1883 Cheveney, Kent |
| Died | 5 January 1933 (aged 49) Southwold, Suffolk |
| Buried |
Hunton Parish Burial Ground, Hunton, Maidstone, Kent
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1902–1908 1914–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant Commander |
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| Battles/wars | |
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| Relations | General Arthur Borton (grandfather) Air Vice Marshal Amyas Borton (brother) |
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Drummond Borton (born July 1, 1883 – died January 5, 1933) was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers who face the enemy.
Contents
Arthur Borton's Early Life and Military Career
Arthur Borton was born in Cheveney, Kent. His father, Arthur Close Borton, was also a British officer. Arthur went to famous schools like Eton College and Sandhurst.
After school, he joined the King's Royal Rifle Corps in 1902. He served in the Second Boer War in South Africa. In 1908, he left the army for a short time.
Returning to Service
When First World War started in 1914, Arthur was farming fruit in the United States. He quickly returned to England to rejoin his old regiment.
Later, he became an observer with the Royal Flying Corps in France. During this time, his aircraft crashed. He broke his neck in three places and was told he couldn't serve anymore. But Arthur was determined!
Bravery in Gallipoli
Despite his injuries, he went to the Gallipoli as a lieutenant commander. He served with the RNAS Armoured Cars. Here, he earned the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery.
In June 1916, he became the Second-in-Command of the 2nd/22nd London Regiment. He served with them in France and later in Palestine.
The Victoria Cross: A Story of Courage
On November 7, 1917, in Palestine, Lieutenant Colonel Borton showed incredible courage. He was 34 years old at the time.
He led his battalion to attack a very strong enemy position at dawn. When his leading soldiers faced heavy gunfire, he walked calmly up and down the line. He was under intense fire himself. He then led his men forward, and they successfully captured the position.
Later, he led a group of volunteers. They charged directly at enemy field-guns that were firing at them from very close range. He and his team captured the guns and the enemy soldiers using them. His fearless leadership was an amazing example to everyone in his brigade. Because of this incredible bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Later Life and Legacy
Arthur Borton passed away on January 5, 1933, in Southwold, Suffolk. He was 49 years old.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Museum in Clandon Park, Guildford, Surrey.
Arthur's younger brother, Amyas Borton, also became a famous military officer. He was an Air Vice Marshal. Arthur married Lorna Lockhart in 1915.
Awards and Recognition
Arthur Borton received several important awards for his service and bravery:
Victoria Cross (VC)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) - He received this in 1915.
Queen's South Africa Medal - with three bars.
1914–15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Knight of the Order of the Nile (from Egypt)
4th Class of the Order of St. Vladimir (from Russia)
See Also
- List of Victoria Cross recipients
