ONE of the district's greatest soldiers was honoured at Lancaster Crematorium last week.

Albert Halton of Warton was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding gallantry during the First World War where he showed "the greatest disregard for his own safety."

And, as a mark of respect, a memorial public bench in honour of Albert was unveiled at Lancaster Crematorium by civil and military representatives on Thursday.

Born in May, 1893, Albert Halton worked as a local contractor when he enlisted to the 5th Battalion in 1915.

He was posted to France where he was wounded on the Somme in 1916. After recuperating he joined the 1st Battalion and during an attack in 1917 near Polcappelle, he single handedly stormed a machine gun post and was awarded a VC. A piece in the London Gazzette at the time read: "Private 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 bought in about twelve prisoners, showing the greatest disregard of his own safety and setting a very fine example to those around him."

After the war, Albert worked for many years at Lansil until he retired in 1961. Full military honours were provided at his funeral in 1971 and at the memorial service last week the mayor, Cllr Sybil Rostron, unveiled the new bench and plaque in his honour. His Victoria Cross and other medals were presented to the Regimental Museum by his family in 1993.

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