John Hulton facts for kids

John Meredith Hulton (born January 8, 1882 – died July 13, 1942) was an English first-class cricket player and a brave officer in the British Army. He was known for his service in several wars and his skills on the cricket field.

John Hulton's Early Life and Cricket

John Hulton was born in January 1882 in Whalley Range, Lancashire, England. His father, Campbell Arthur Grey Hulton, was also a cricketer. John went to school at Charterhouse School.

After finishing school, John decided to join the military. But before that, he played some serious cricket!

Playing for Marylebone Cricket Club

John Hulton played three important cricket matches, known as first-class cricket, for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

• He played in 1903 and 1905.
• His opponents included London County, Kent, and Leicestershire.
• In these three matches, he scored a total of 127 runs.
• His best score was 65 runs, which he made against Kent at Lord's, a famous cricket ground.

A Career in the Military

John Hulton chose a career in the British Army. He started as a second lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers in September 1900.

Serving in the Boer War

Right after joining, he went to fight in the Second Boer War.

• During this war, he was promoted to lieutenant in May 1901.
• After the war, he moved to the Royal Sussex Regiment in July 1903.

Rising Through the Ranks

John continued to advance in his military career.

• He became a full lieutenant in September 1906.
• In November 1912, he was a temporary captain while helping with the Territorial Force.

John Hulton in World War I

When the First World War began, John Hulton served with the Royal Sussex Regiment.

Gallipoli Campaign

He fought bravely in the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

• He was part of the Landing at Suvla Bay in August 1915.
• He also saw action in the Battle of Scimitar Hill on August 21.
• During these battles, he witnessed a lot of confusion and saw wounded soldiers.

Promotions and Awards

John Hulton kept getting promoted for his dedication and bravery.

• By November 1914, he was a full captain.
• In July 1916, he was a brigade-major at headquarters.
• He became a major in January 1917.
• Later in 1917, he was a temporary lieutenant colonel, commanding a battalion.
• He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1918 for his valuable service in Egypt.
• He was also honored by Egypt with the Order of the Nile, 3rd Class.

After the Great War

After being wounded at the Battle of Beersheba, John Hulton volunteered for a special mission.

Russian Civil War Mission

He joined General Alfred Knox's mission to Eastern Russia during the Russian Civil War.

• He commanded a training school on Russky Island.
• He even fought against a coup attempt in November 1919.
• For his services in Russia, he was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
• In August 1921, he received another honor from Japan, the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class.

Later Military Career and Retirement

John Hulton continued his military service after these events.

• He became a brevet lieutenant colonel in January 1923.
• In July 1923, he moved to the Tank Corps.
• From 1931 to 1935, he was the chief instructor at the Royal Corps Central Schools at Bovington Camp.
• He retired from active service in May 1935, holding the rank of colonel.

Final Years

Colonel John Hulton passed away in Poole, Dorset, in July 1942. His brother, Campbell Blethyn Hulton, was also a first-class cricketer, just like John.