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.
