Main CPGW Record
Surname: ALTON
Forename(s): George Herbert
Place of Birth: Barnoldswick, Yorkshire
Service No: 267165
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 2nd Battalion
Division: 4th Division
Age: 22
Date of Death: 1918-08-14
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. C. 7.
CWGC Cemetery: MONT-BERNANCHON BRITISH CEMETERY, GONNEHEM
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: BARNOLDSWICK, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
George Herbert Alton was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Alton, née Forrest. Alexander was born at Sedbusk near Hawes, Yorkshire and Elizabeth at Crawshawbooth, Lancashire.
1901 Barnoldswick, Yorkshire Census: 3, John Street - George E. [sic] Alton, aged 4 years, born Barnoldswick, son of Alexander and Elizabeth Alton.
1911 Barnoldswick, Yorkshire Census: 3, John Street - George Herbert Alton, aged 14 years, born Barnoldswick, son of Alexander and Elizabeth Alton.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte George H. Alton, 267165, W. Rid. R.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte George Herbert Alton, 267165, 2/6 W. Rid. R.; 2 W. Rid. R. Drowned 14.8.18.
George served with the 2/6th Bn Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) and was transferred to the 2nd Bn either when returning to duty after being wounded, or, when the 2/6th Bn was disbanded on 31 January 1918.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte George Herbert Alton, 267165, 2nd Bn W. Riding. Date and Place of Death: 14.8.18. France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother and Sole Legatee - Elizabeth A. £10 6s. 2d. War Gratuity: Brother - David. £10 10s. 0d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for George. Name(s) on card(s): Mrs E. Alton. Address: 3, Hartley Street, Barnoldswick. Claimant deceased. No award authorised.
A short biography of George is included in: ‘Barnoldswick – A small Town’s part in conflicts 1800 to 2014’ by Peter Ian Thompson (2014).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
ALTON, George Herbert, aged 22, West Riding Regiment, 3, Hartley Street, [Barnoldswick], drowned Aug. 14, 1918.
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Private George Herbert ALTON
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 4th Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
06 September 1918
BARNOLDSWICK SOLDIER ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED IN FRANCE: One of Five Brothers Serving
Mrs. Alton, 3 Hartley Street, Barnoldswick, has received news of the death of her son, Private George Herbert Alton, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who was accidentally drowned on the 11th August whilst bathing in France. A letter from his officer (Lieutenant W. E. Horsley) states:-
"He was seen to be in difficulties, and several attempts were made to get him out, but without success. His body was recovered after the lapse of about six minutes from the moment he first sunk, and artificial respiration was applied for an hour without avail. His death cast a deep gloom over the whole company, it was so unexpected. He was exceedingly well liked by all ranks, and we all unite in offering you our deepest sympathy at such a tragic occurrence."
Private Alton, who was 22 years of age, had been twice wounded. He joined the Army in February, 1915, and had four brothers serving, one of whom (Private Ernest Alton, who recently won the Military Medal) was wounded in July, and is still in hospital in France.
15 August 1919
ALTON - In loving memory of Private George Herbert Alton (2/6th Duke of Wellington's), who was drowned in France 14th August, 1918.
Rest well, dear brother, for at the great awakening,
When Christ shall call his soldiers to his side,
His promise stands, there shall be no forsaking
Of those who fought for Him, and, fighting, died.
From his sorrowing Brothers and Sisters, Barnoldswick.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
06 September 1918
Barnoldswick Soldier Drowned in France
Mrs. Alton, 3, Hartley Street, Barnoldswick, has received news of the death of her son, Pte. George Herbert Alton, Duke of Wellington's Regiment. who was accidentally drowned on the 14th August whist bathing in France. A letter from his officer (Lieut. W.E. Horsley) states:- "He was seen to be in difficulties and several attempts were made to get him out, but without success his body was recovered after the lapse of about six minutes from the moment he first sank, and artificial respiration was applied for an hour without avail. His death cast a deep gloom over the whole company, it was so unexpected. He was exceedingly well liked by all ranks, and we all unite in offering you our deepest sympathy at such a tragic occurrence."
Pte. Alton, who was 22 years of age, had been twice wounded. He joined the army in February, 1915, and had four brothers serving, one of whom (Pte. Ernest Alton), who recently won the Military Medal, was wounded in July and is still in hospital in France.
06 December 1918
ALTON - Dec. 1, at Hartley Street, Barnoldswick, aged 59, Elizabeth Alton.
[Mother of Pte. George Herbert Alton.]
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