Harold Ackroyd
Harold Ackroyd
Harold Ackroyd, was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously in 1917 for his conspicuous bravery as a medical officer in the Somme, shortly before his death in action.
Ackroyd had no personal connection with the island, but his widow Mabel, who moved to Jersey after their daughter Ursula married into the Malet de Carteret family, of St Ouen's Manor, is buried in the cemetery at St Ouen's Church. Her late husband, whose body is believed to lie in Birr Crossroads Cemetery near Ypres, is commemorated on the gravestone.
His wife and Ursula's younger brother Stephen received Captain Ackroyd's Victoria Cross and a Military Cross awarded months earlier, from King George V in September 1917.
Mrs Ackroyd's 1947 will left the Victoria Cross and 1914-15 medal to her son Stephen, and her husband's Military Cross, Victory and Overseas and Thurston medals, to her son Anthony.
