Joel Halliwell

Joel Halliwell was born at Parkfield, Middleton, Lancashire, on 22 September 1881. Some secondary accounts give 29 December 1881, but the September date is supported by the more detailed biographical research used by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. Before the First World War, he worked in the local textile industry as a labourer, cotton-cap packer and mill foreman.

Halliwell enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers at Bury on 13 November 1914. He joined the newly raised 11th Service Battalion and arrived in France with the battalion on 25 September 1915. He was appointed lance corporal in January 1917 and confirmed in that rank later that year.

On 27 May 1918, the opening day of the Third Battle of the Aisne, the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers came under overwhelming German pressure near Muscourt. The battalion’s position was being turned, and its surviving troops were forced to withdraw under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire.

During the confusion, Halliwell obtained a riderless German horse and repeatedly rode back into the exposed ground between the opposing forces. Working alone and under direct enemy fire, he carried wounded soldiers to safety one at a time. By the time he was forced to stop, he had rescued an officer and nine other ranks.

Halliwell attempted to reach another wounded man, but the advancing Germans were too close and drove him back. His Victoria Cross citation described his conduct as magnificent and an inspiring example to everyone who witnessed it.

The award was announced in the London Gazette on 25 July 1918. King George V presented Halliwell with the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on 11 September 1918.

After the war, Halliwell returned to Middleton and received a civic welcome attended by thousands of people. He married Sarah Greaves in 1920, and they had three daughters. From approximately 1930 to 1940, he was landlord of the New Inn on Long Street, although he reportedly became uncomfortable with customers repeatedly asking him to describe his wartime actions.

Despite his age and a wartime injury to his leg, Halliwell attempted to re-enlist during the Second World War. He was rejected because of his age, eyesight and physical condition. He later worked for the Middleton Highways Department and returned to the textile industry.

Joel Halliwell died at Oldham and District General Hospital on 14 June 1958, aged 76. He was buried with full military honours in the family grave at Boarshaw Cemetery, Middleton. Corporation Street in Middleton was renamed LCpl Joel Halliwell V.C. Way in 2014.