Alan Richard Hill

He returned under fire to rescue men during a forced retreat

Alan Richard Hill, later Hill-Walker, was born in Northallerton, Yorkshire, on 12 July 1859. He joined the North York Rifles in 1877 and entered the 58th Regiment in 1879. He served in the Anglo-Zulu War before fighting in the First Boer War.

At Laing's Nek on 28 January 1881, British troops were ordered to retreat. Hill remained behind to help Lieutenant Baillie, who was severely wounded. Unable to place him on a horse, Hill carried him until Baillie was killed by enemy fire. Hill then returned for two other wounded men, bringing them out under fire. His conduct earned the Victoria Cross.

Hill subsequently fought at Ingogo and was seriously wounded at Majuba Hill. His later service took him to India and Burma, including the Tirah campaign. He attained the rank of major and retired in October 1901. He later adopted the surname Hill-Walker and lived in Yorkshire. He died at Thirsk on 21 April 1944, aged eighty-four.

Victoria Cross citation The London Gazette of 14 March 1882, Numb. 25084, p. 1130

For gallant conduct at the action at Laing’s Nek on the 28th January, 1881, in having, after the retreat was ordered, remained behind and endeavoured to carry out of action Lieutenant Baillie, of the same Corps, who was lying on the ground severely wounded. Being unable to lift that officer into the saddle, he carried him in his arms until Lieutenant Baillie was shot dead. Lieutenant Hill then brought a wounded man out of action on his horse, after which he returned and rescued another. All these acts being performed under a heavy fire.