Personal info
- Name: Joel HALLIWELL
- D.O.B: 22nd Sep, 1881
- D.O.A: 27th May, 1918
- D.O.D: 14th Jun, 1958
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lance Corporal, 11th Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers, 74th Brigade, 25th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Muscourt, France 27 May 1918
27 May 1918
The First World War 1918
On 27 May 1918 the Germans launched the Third Battle of the Aisne. A breakthrough on this front would threaten Paris and draw British troops away from Flanders. In expectation of the attack 11th Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers had been rushed to Muscourt, three miles north-east of Fismes on the Vesle west of Rheims, and a mile south of the River Aisne and its canal. On the 27th the Germans crossed the Aisne at Maizy to the north-west and entered Muscourt. The battalion withdrew south-east to Meurival and it was during the withdrawal that Lance Corporal J Halliwell distinguished himself. However, the German advance continued relentlessly.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and determination displayed during the withdrawal of the remnants of the Battalion when closely engaged with the enemy. L./Cpl. Halliwell, having captured a stray enemy horse, rode out under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire and rescued a wounded man from “No Man’s Land.” He repeated this performance several times, and succeeded in rescuing one officer and nine other ranks. He made another effort to reach a wounded man, but was driven back by the very close advance of the enemy. His conduct was magnificent throughout, and was a splendid and inspiring example to all who saw him.