Crimean War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a brevet major in the 55th Regiment of Foot of the British Army on several occasions from March 29 to June 7, 1855 during the Siege of Sebastopol, Crimea. Born in Whitestaunton, Somerset, England, his father was a minister. He joined the 55th Regiment of Foot, he was sent to the Crimean Peninsula after was declared in that region in October 1853. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On 29 March 1855 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, Major Elton, with a small number of men, drove off a party of Russians who were destroying one of the new detached works, taking one prisoner himself. On 7 June he was the first to lead his men from the trenches. On 4 August he was in command of a working party in the advanced trenches in front of the Quarries, encouraging his men to work under very heavy fire and even used a pick and shovel himself to set an example." He later served with the 21st Regiment of Foot and the 67th Regiment of Foot, eventually achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Chevalier (Knight) of the French Legion d'Honneur, the Turkish Order of the Medjidie (5th class), and the Turkish Crimea Medal during his military service. He died in London, England at the age of 55. His Victoria Cross is on display at The King's Own Royal Border Regiment & Border Regiment Museum in Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, England.
Crimean War Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions as a brevet major in the 55th Regiment of Foot of the British Army on several occasions from March 29 to June 7, 1855 during the Siege of Sebastopol, Crimea. Born in Whitestaunton, Somerset, England, his father was a minister. He joined the 55th Regiment of Foot, he was sent to the Crimean Peninsula after was declared in that region in October 1853. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "On 29 March 1855 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, Major Elton, with a small number of men, drove off a party of Russians who were destroying one of the new detached works, taking one prisoner himself. On 7 June he was the first to lead his men from the trenches. On 4 August he was in command of a working party in the advanced trenches in front of the Quarries, encouraging his men to work under very heavy fire and even used a pick and shovel himself to set an example." He later served with the 21st Regiment of Foot and the 67th Regiment of Foot, eventually achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Chevalier (Knight) of the French Legion d'Honneur, the Turkish Order of the Medjidie (5th class), and the Turkish Crimea Medal during his military service. He died in London, England at the age of 55. His Victoria Cross is on display at The King's Own Royal Border Regiment & Border Regiment Museum in Carlisle Castle, Cumbria, England.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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