Harold Ackroyd was born on 18th July 1877 in Southport, Lancashire, into a family that valued education and service. His father, a retired tailor and draper, undoubtedly influenced Ackroyd’s career choice. Ackroyd attended Shrewsbury School and Caius College, Cambridge, where he excelled academically and demonstrated a keen interest in the medical sciences. After completing his education at Cambridge, he continued his medical training at Guy’s Hospital in London, one of the premier medical institutions of the time.

Ackroyd’s dedication to his profession was evident early on. He joined the medical staff at Guy’s Hospital, where he worked diligently, gaining a reputation as a compassionate and skilled doctor. His commitment to helping others and his expertise in the medical field were qualities that would define his later service during the Great War.

Harold can be found in the Cambridge Education records (above), a great resource that can tell you much about a past student. Here, the record lists both Ackroyd’s parents, his brother and the date and location of his birth.

The Outbreak of War and Joining the Army

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Ackroyd was a well-established doctor with a young family. Despite the relative safety and comfort of his civilian life, he felt a profound sense of duty to serve his country. In 1915 he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) as a captain, leaving behind his wife and children to face the horrors of the Western Front.

The RAMC was responsible for providing medical care to the British Army, and Ackroyd’s role was crucial. He was tasked with treating wounded soldiers, often under fire and in the most challenging conditions imaginable. His postings took him to some of the war’s most brutal and deadly battles, including the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) in 1917.

Bravery at the Battle of the Somme

It was during the Battle of the Somme that Ackroyd first demonstrated the extraordinary courage that would later earn him the Victoria Cross. The Battle of the Somme, which began on 1st July 1916, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the First World War. The British Army suffered devastating losses with tens of thousands of soldiers killed or wounded on the first day alone.

Serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, Ackroyd was stationed near the front lines, providing medical aid to the wounded. The conditions were horrific; the battlefield was a quagmire of mud, blood, and destruction. Despite the constant threat of enemy fire, Ackroyd repeatedly ventured into no man’s land to rescue wounded soldiers. His actions during the Battle of the Somme were nothing short of heroic.

On several occasions, Ackroyd went beyond the call of duty, risking his life to save others. He treated and evacuated numerous soldiers under intense artillery and machine-gun fire. His bravery and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during this period.

The Ultimate Sacrifice at Passchendaele

Ackroyd’s most renowned acts of valor occurred during the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, in 1917. This battle was infamous for its appalling conditions and staggering loss of life. The battlefield was a muddy, waterlogged wasteland, and soldiers faced not only the enemy but also the elements.

On 31st August 1917, during a particularly fierce phase of the battle, Ackroyd’s unit was engaged in heavy fighting. Despite the perilous conditions, Ackroyd continued to tend to the wounded, displaying remarkable courage and selflessness. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, moving from one casualty to another, administering first aid and arranging for their evacuation.

Tragically, on that day, Ackroyd was struck by a sniper’s bullet while aiding a wounded soldier. He was 40 years old. His death was a significant loss to his unit and to the RAMC. His fellow soldiers and officers remembered him as a man of exceptional bravery and compassion.

Awarding of the Victoria Cross

In recognition of his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice, Harold Ackroyd was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation for his VC highlighted his “conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty” during the battles of the Somme and Passchendaele. The award was presented to his widow, Mabel Ackroyd, who was left to raise their children alone.

The Victoria Cross citation in the London Gazette linked from his medal record reads:

During recent operations Capt. Ackroyd displayed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. Utterly regardless of danger, he worked continuously for many hours up and down and in front of the line tending the wounded and saving the lives of officers and men. In so doing he had to move across the open under heavy machine gun, rifle and shell fire. He carried a wounded officer to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On another occasion he went some way in front of our advanced line and brought in a wounded man under continuous sniping and machine gun fire. His heroism was the means of saving many lives, and provided a magnificent example of courage, cheerfulness, and determination to the fighting men in whose midst he was carrying out his splendid work. This gallant officer has since been killed in action.

Legacy and Commemoration

Harold Ackroyd’s legacy lives on through the many lives he saved and the example he set for others. His bravery and dedication to duty continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals and soldiers alike. His story is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and courage required of those who serve in times of war.

Ackroyd is commemorated in several ways. In his hometown of Southport, a memorial plaque was unveiled to honour his sacrifice. The plaque is a symbol of the community’s recognition of Ackroyd’s heroism and serves as a lasting tribute to his memory.

In 2003 Harold’s descendants sold his medals to Lord Michael Ashcroft, with the proceeds of the sale used to endow an annual medical scholarship at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where an annual memorial lecture is given in his honour.

Reflections on a Hero’s Journey

Harold Ackroyd’s story is one of exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to saving lives in the face of unimaginable danger. His journey from a dedicated doctor in civilian life to a heroic figure on the battlefields of the First World War is a testament to the power of duty and compassion.

Ackroyd’s actions during the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Passchendaele exemplify the highest ideals of military service and medical care. His willingness to risk his life repeatedly to save others speaks to a profound sense of duty and humanity that transcends the horrors of war.

Harold Ackroyd’s life and legacy are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness that can emerge in the darkest of times. His service during the First World War, marked by his relentless dedication to saving lives, earned him the highest military honour and left an indelible mark on those who knew him and the many lives he touched.

As we reflect on Ackroyd’s story, we are reminded of the enduring values of courage, compassion, and duty that define true heroism. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate a century after his remarkable deeds, ensuring that the memory of his sacrifice and service lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations.