Second Boer War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a private in the 1st Battalion, The King's (Liverpool) Regiment of the British Army on August 23, 1900 at Geluk, South Africa during the Second Boer War. Born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, he joined the British Army and was sent to South Africa following the outbreak of the Second Boer War in October 1899. Following his return to England, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served in World War I. He died in Southport, Merseyside, England at the age of 66. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Queen's South Africa medal and the King's South Africa Medal. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On the 23rd August, 1900, the Company to which Private Heaton belonged, advancing in front of the general line held by the troops, became surrounded by the enemy and was suffering severely. At the request of the Officer Commanding, Private Heaton volunteered to take a message back to explain the position of the Company. He was successful, though at the imminent risk of his own life. Had it not been for Private Heaton's courage there can be little doubt that the remainder of the Company, which suffered very severely, would have had to surrender." His Victoria Cross is on display at the Museum of the King's Regiment in Liverpool, Merseyside, England.
Second Boer War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a private in the 1st Battalion, The King's (Liverpool) Regiment of the British Army on August 23, 1900 at Geluk, South Africa during the Second Boer War. Born in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, he joined the British Army and was sent to South Africa following the outbreak of the Second Boer War in October 1899. Following his return to England, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served in World War I. He died in Southport, Merseyside, England at the age of 66. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Queen's South Africa medal and the King's South Africa Medal. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On the 23rd August, 1900, the Company to which Private Heaton belonged, advancing in front of the general line held by the troops, became surrounded by the enemy and was suffering severely. At the request of the Officer Commanding, Private Heaton volunteered to take a message back to explain the position of the Company. He was successful, though at the imminent risk of his own life. Had it not been for Private Heaton's courage there can be little doubt that the remainder of the Company, which suffered very severely, would have had to surrender." His Victoria Cross is on display at the Museum of the King's Regiment in Liverpool, Merseyside, England.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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