William Harold Coltman, (17 November 1891 – 29 June 1974) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was the most decorated other rank of the First World War. He volunteered for the British Army in January 1915, during the opening months of the First World War. He served in The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's), in the 1/6th Battalion.

Victoria Cross

Lance Corporal Coltman was 26 years old and a stretcher bearer, when the following deed took place in France, for which he was awarded the VC.

Coltman was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 22 May 1919.

Distinguished Conduct Medal

The first award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was made for gallantry over a period of days in July 1917. The citation in The London Gazette reads:

Bar to the DCM

The second award of the DCM was made for conduct in September 1918, only a week before his actions that earned him the VC. The citation read:

Military Medal

The Military Medal (MM) is gazetted when awarded but no citation is given. Coltman was still a private at the time of this award. The award was made for rescuing a wounded officer from no man's land in February 1917.

Bar to the MM

The second award of the MM was gazetted in August 1917. This award was for conduct behind the front lines in June 1917 and commanded the Burton ACF; he resigned his commission in 1951. He retired in 1963 and died at Outwoods Hospital, Burton, in 1974 at the age of 82. He is buried in the churchyard of St Mark's parish church in Winshill with his wife Eleanor May ( Dolman). Coltman House is the headquarters building of Defence Medical Services at Whittington Barracks. The Burton Army Cadet Force base and Army Reserve Centre is at Coltman House, Hawkins Lane, Burton.

There is a monument to Coltman at the Memorial Gardens, Lichfield Street, Burton. The Coltman VC Peace Wood is at Mill Hill Lane, Winshill. In Tunstall a road has been named in honour of Coltman.

References

  • Film clip of Coltman in February 1963 from the Media Archive for Central England (MACE)