26/08/2026
William Coltman VC, DCM & Bar, MM & Bar
When we think of First World War heroes, we picture men carrying ri**es. William Harold Coltman was different.
A pacifist and Christian, Coltman joined the 1st/6th North Staffordshire Regiment in 1915, aged 23.
After spending a night trapped under heavy fire, listening to the cries of wounded soldiers, he vowed never to shoulder a r***e again. The following morning, he requested to retrain as a stretcher-bearer. He carried no weapon, but risked his life to save others.
He repeatedly entered dangerous areas to rescue wounded men under enemy fire.
In June 1917, when a tunnel collapsed near Lens, burying twelve men, he organised their rescue. On another occasion, he went into full view of the enemy to rescue a wounded officer, placing himself between the officer and enemy fire.
He was awarded the Military Medal and Bar, Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar, and ultimately the Victoria Cross, making him the most decorated non-commissioned officer of the First World War.
VC citation:
"For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty. During the operations at Mannequin Hill, N.E. of Sequehart, on the 3rd and 4th October 1918, Lance Corporal Coltman, a stretcher-bearer, hearing that wounded had been left behind during a retirement, on his own initiative, went forward alone in the face of fierce enfilade fire, found the wounded, dressed them, and on three successive occasions carried comrades on his back to safety, thus saving their lives.
This very gallant N.C.O. tended the wounded unceasingly for forty-eight hours."
He would not kill another person, but was prepared to risk everything to save one. Sometimes bravery isn't about what you're willing to do to another person. It's about what you're willing to do for them.
Coltman was reportedly uncomfortable with the attention his heroism brought him. On his return home he allegedly avoided the crowds at Burton station by getting off the train and walking around 20 miles home.
He died in 1974, aged 82, and was buried in St Mark's Churchyard, Winshill.
