World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Lancashire, England, he served as a Private in Company B, 2nd Battalion, Cameronians Scottish Rifles, British Army. In actions at Méricourt, near Lens, France, on October 6, 1918, Private Towers' company was surrounded and cut off by the German advance. Five men volunteered and been killed trying to deliver a message to the battalion for support, when Private Towers volunteered to be the sixth. In spite of heavy fire opened on him as he moved, he went straight through from cover to cover and eventually delivered the message. He stayed with the unit throughout the night and led them back the next day shortly before dawn, recovering the bodies of the five other runners as they returned. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on May 8, 1919. After the war he returned to the family farm Preston, England, until his death at age 79.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Lancashire, England, he served as a Private in Company B, 2nd Battalion, Cameronians Scottish Rifles, British Army. In actions at Méricourt, near Lens, France, on October 6, 1918, Private Towers' company was surrounded and cut off by the German advance. Five men volunteered and been killed trying to deliver a message to the battalion for support, when Private Towers volunteered to be the sixth. In spite of heavy fire opened on him as he moved, he went straight through from cover to cover and eventually delivered the message. He stayed with the unit throughout the night and led them back the next day shortly before dawn, recovering the bodies of the five other runners as they returned. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on May 8, 1919. After the war he returned to the family farm Preston, England, until his death at age 79.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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