1900, Geluk
HEATON, WILLIAM, Private, won his Victoria Cross at the action of Geluk [London Gazette, 18 January 1901]: "William Heaton, Private, 1st Battalion 8th (The King's Liverpool) Regiment. 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". He was later promoted Sergeant.
