Albert Halton V.C.

Much satisfaction has been expressed in Carnforth and district at the receipt of the official award of the coveted Victoria Cross to 241475 Pte. Albert Halton, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regt. He is 24 years of age, and the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Halton, 19, Highfield-terrace, Carnforth. His father is one of the oldest employees at Carnforth Ironworks, and is naturally proud of his son's achievement. He was born at Mill Head, Warton, and educated at the National School, Carnforth, under the late Mr. D. P. Miller, and Mr. Strangeways, who is still on the staff. On leaving school at 13 he entered farm service, his first place being with Mr. Huntington, of Brookholme Farm, Lancaster, going daily with the milk. His later situations were in the service of Mr. Taylor, Arkholme: Mr. Williams, Dale House, Swarthdale; and Mrs. Barnes, of Thorn Top, near Kendal. He worked for a brief period on the L. and N. W. Railway, and was in the service of Mr. Rigg, contractor, Carnforth, when he joined, in July, 1915, the 5th King's Own. He has been in France about two years. He was wounded on the Somme on October 22nd, 1916, and was treated in hospital at Aberdeen. After recuperation he rejoined the K.O. in March last, and on returning to the front was drafted to the 1st Battalion.
According to the Gazette the award is for the following deed :-
"Pte. Albert Halton, K.O.R. Lanc. R. (Carnforth). For most
conspicuous bravery in attack. After the objective had been reached,
Pte. Halton rushed forward about 300 yards under very heavy
rifle and shell fire, and captured a machine-gun and its crew,
which was causing many losses to our men. He then went out again
and brought in about twelve prisoners, showing the highest disregard
of his own safety and setting a very fine example to those around
him."
At a special meeting of the Carnforth District Council on Tuesday, it was decided to open a subscription list with a view to recognising the gallantry of Pte. Albert Halton, V.C.

(Lancaster Guardian, 1 December 1917)
_____________________________________________________________

A German field gun was presented to the town of Carnforth in honour of Albert Halton. Presumably removed for scrap during WW2?


(Westmorland Gazette, 7.2.1920)