Heroics of first world war stretcher bearer recounted by great-grandson to Sutton-on-Trent Women's Institute meeting

The Sutton-on-Trent branch of the Women's Institute received a special historical presentation from their guest speaker this month.

Every month the WI invites a guest speaker, this September it was Tim Coltman whose subject was his war-hero, great-grandfather, William Coltman.

William was the highest decorated non-commissioned officer of the first world war having received a Victoria Cross, a Distinguished Conduct Medal twice and a Military Medal, also twice.

Tim's great-grandfather was born in 1891 near Burton-on-Trent, and served in the 6th North Staffs. regiment.

He refused to fight as he was a Christian and instead opted to serve as a stretcher bearer.

In this role he also rescued many injured men from the battlefield without the use of a stretcher.

William Coltman survived the war and died in 1974.

The next guest speaker at the Sutton-on-Trent WI will be Lisa Hutchinson of Willow Holistics, who will be speaking about Reiki, on October 6, in the Methodist community centre.