Joel Halliwell

Not to be confused withJoe Halliwell.

Joel Halliwell VC
Born	29 December 1881 Middleton,Lancashire
Died	14 June 1958(1958-06-14)(aged 76) Oldham,Lancashire
Buried	Boarshaw New Cemetery, Middleton
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Lance-Corporal
Unit	Lancashire Fusiliers
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Victoria Cross

CorporalJoel HalliwellVC(29 December 1881 – 14 June 1958) was anEnglishrecipient of theVictoria Cross,the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritishandCommonwealthforces.

Details

Halliwell was 37 years old, and alance-corporalin the 11th Battalion,The Lancashire Fusiliers,British Armyduring theFirst World Warwhen he performed a deed on 27 May 1918 atMuscourt,France, during theThird Battle of the Aisnefor which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The citation reads;

No. 9860 L/Cpl Joel Halliwell, Lanc Fusrs. (Middleton)

For most conspicuous bravery and determination displayed during the withdrawal of the remnants of the Battalion when closely engaged with the enemy. L/Cpl Halliwell, having captured a stray enemy horse, rode out under heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire and rescued a wounded man from "No Man's Land". He repeated this performance several times, and succeeded in rescuing one officer and nine other ranks. He made another effort to reach a wounded man, but was driven back by the very close advance of the enemy. His conduct was magnificent throughout, and was a splendid and inspiring example to all who saw him.

The medal and later history

For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died at age 76 in Greater Manchester, England. The medal is inMiddleton,Greater Manchesterwith his family, and Joel Halliwell is buried with distinction at nearby Boarshaw Cemetery, with the inscription on his stone which reads 'For Valour'...'These Are Deeds That Should Not Pass Away, And Names That Must Not Wither'.

In 2014, Joel Haliwell and his descendents (his daughter and other relatives) featured in one of the two special World War I episodes of the BBC programmeThe Antiques Roadshow.Haliwell's story was recounted, and the family visited the grave of Joel's brother Tom, who had been killed in 1916.

See also

• Monuments to Courage(David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross(This England, 1997)
• VCs of the First World War(Gerald Gliddon, 1997)

External links

• Middleton
• Location of grave and VC medal(Lancashire)