William Coltman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Harold Coltman
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| Born | 17 November 1891 Tatenhill Common, Burton upon Trent |
| Died | 29 June 1974 (aged 82) Outwoods Hospital, Burton upon Trent |
| Buried |
St Mark's, Winshill, Burton upon Trent
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 1941–1951 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Service number | 3585 (later 241028) |
| Unit | The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal & Bar Military Medal & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
William Harold Coltman (born November 17, 1891 – died June 29, 1974) was an incredibly brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in battle for British and Commonwealth forces. He earned more awards than any other regular soldier during the First World War.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
William Coltman was born in a village called Rangemore, near Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. He worked as a market gardener, which means he grew fruits and vegetables to sell. He was also a member of the Plymouth Brethren, a Christian group, and taught at a Sunday School in the village of Winshill.
In January 1915, when the First World War had just begun, William decided to join the British Army. He became a soldier in the 1/6th Battalion of The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's).
His Victoria Cross Story
William Coltman was 26 years old and worked as a stretcher bearer. This meant his job was to help wounded soldiers and carry them to safety. He earned the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery in France.
In October 1918, during a battle near Sequehart, William heard that some wounded soldiers had been left behind. Even though there was very heavy enemy fire, he went forward all by himself. He found the injured soldiers, gave them first aid, and then carried three of his comrades on his back to safety. He did this three times, saving their lives! William worked tirelessly for 48 hours, helping the wounded without stopping.
King George V personally presented William with his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on May 22, 1919.
Other Amazing Awards
William Coltman received many other awards for his bravery. These included the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) twice and the Military Medal (MM) twice.
First Distinguished Conduct Medal
His first DCM was for his courage in July 1917. He bravely moved wounded soldiers from the front lines while under heavy shell fire. His actions saved many lives. He kept searching for wounded soldiers all night, even with shells and machine-gun fire around him. His complete lack of fear inspired everyone.
Second Distinguished Conduct Medal
William earned his second DCM in September 1918, just a week before he won his Victoria Cross. Near the St. Quentin Canal, he helped many wounded men under heavy artillery fire. The next day, he continued his work without rest, caring for the injured and ignoring the danger from shells and machine guns. He didn't stop until he was sure all wounded soldiers in his area were safe. He showed incredible bravery and dedication.
Military Medal for Rescues
The Military Medal is given for acts of bravery. William received his first MM in February 1917. He was still a private soldier then. He rescued a wounded officer from "no man's land" – the dangerous area between enemy trenches. The officer was hurt, and William immediately went out to bring him back to safety.
Second Military Medal
His second MM was awarded in August 1917 for three brave actions in June 1917.
- On June 6, an ammunition storage area was hit by enemy fire, hurting several soldiers. William took charge and helped remove dangerous flares from the area.
- The next day, he played a key role in helping men injured when their company's headquarters was attacked.
- A week later, a trench tunnel collapsed, trapping soldiers. William quickly organized a rescue team to dig the trapped men out.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, William Coltman returned home to Burton. He worked as a gardener for the town's Parks Department. During the Second World War, he became an officer in the Army Cadet Force in 1943, leading the Burton cadets. He retired from this role in 1951.
William Coltman passed away in 1974 at the age of 82. He is buried with his wife, Eleanor May, in the churchyard of St Mark's parish church in Winshill.
His medals, including his Victoria Cross, are now on display at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Lichfield. At the museum, there's a special replica of a First World War trench named in his honor, called "The Coltman Trench." The headquarters building for military medical services at Whittington Barracks is also named Coltman House.
There is a monument dedicated to William Coltman in the Memorial Gardens in Burton. A special forest, the Coltman VC Peace Wood, is located in Winshill. Also, a road in Tunstall has been named after him to remember his incredible bravery.
