Captain Harold Ackroyd VC MC RAMC - Paving Slab - Southport

[Ian Riley]

Ridiculously late notice, I am afraid, and I can't see it elsewhere on the Forum. The commemorative paving stone for Captain Harold Ackroyd VC MC RAMC is being unveiled at Southport War Memorial on Lord Street (near the Town Hall) on Friday 8 September 2017 at 11 am. The ceremony is sponsored by Sefton Borough Council (Merseyside)

 

Ackroyd was killed in action on 11 August 1917 attached to 6th Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment and is buried (special memorial) at Birrs Cross Cemetery west of Ypres/Ieper on the Menin Road

 

"For most conspicuous bravery. During recent operations Capt. Ackroyd displayed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. Utterly regardless of danger, he worked continuously for many hours up and down and in front of the line tending the wounded and saving the lives of officers and men. In so doing he had to move across the open under heavy machine-gun, rifle and shell fire. He carried a wounded officer to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On another occasion he went some way in front of our advanced line and brought in a wounded man under continuous sniping and machine-gun fire. His heroism was the means of saving many lives, and provided a magnificent example of courage, cheerfulness, and determination to the fighting men in whose midst he was carrying out his splendid work. This gallant officer has since been killed in action."

 

Ian