Harold Ackroyd
| Harold Ackroyd | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
18 July 1877 Southport, Lancashire |
| Died | 11 August 1917 (aged 40) Ypres, Belgium |
| Buried at | Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, Zillebeke |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Years of service | 1915–1917 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Military Cross |
Harold Ackroyd VC, MC (18 July 1877 – 11 August 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Harold Ackroyd was born on 18 July 1877 in Southport Lancashire the youngest son of Edward Ackroyd who ran a textile and tailoring business. Edward inherited a sizable fortune from his mother`s family in 1878 and became Chairman of the Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension Railway, a change in fortune which made a private education possible. Harold went to Mintholme College, Southport, a preparatory school and then on to a place at Shrewsbury School where he did well, participating in school sporting activities and as a member of the school Officers Training Corps.
Harold then achieved entry to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge matriculating in October 1896 to follow his elder brother Edward, who had matriculated in 1893. Harold was present at the vote to admit women to the title of degree in May 1897 which was defeated by 1707 to 661 votes. Harold completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1899 and continued his medical studies at Guy's Hospital, London.
Harold was appointed a House Officer at Guy's Hospital. He then went on to hospital appointments at the Birmingham General Hospital and the David Lewis Northern Hospital, Liverpool. Harold was of the generation and class where a doctor’s salary was not essential for a comfortable life. During the next few years, between medical jobs, he travelled to Europe on a number of occasions favouring river cruises.
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