Born on 17 February 1888, son of Paymaster Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Cooke Alton CB, CMG, RN, he was educated at Bedford School. After qualifying from St Thomas's Hospital in 1910, he entered the Royal Navy as a surgeon. Four years later he graduated MB BS at London University. During the first world war he served in HMS *Constance* and for gallant service was appointed OBE in 1919; two years later he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the USA. He was invalided from the Service in 1919 with the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander. However he regained his health and returned to the Navy in 1921, but finally retired in 1922. After a period in general practice he determined to specialise in gynaecology and obstetrics. In 1927 he took the Fellowship and went to the Chelsea Hospital for Women and the Prince of Wales's General Hospital, where he was clinical assistant. In 1936 he went into practice at Shamley Green in Surrey and in the following year was appointed assistant surgeon at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford and attained full consultant status with charge of the obstetric and gynaecological unit. He became senior consultant gynaecologist to the Guildford group of hospitals until his retirement in 1954. Alton was held in high esteem by his colleagues. He never spared himself, even when in failing health. He died at the Royal Surrey County Hospital on 7 November 1956, survived by his wife Freda and by one of his two sons. He had lived at Westbury Cottage, Waterden Road, Guildford, Surrey. The elder son, a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines, was killed in a flying accident in 1933. Mrs Alton died on 23 April 1967. Publications: Modern treatment of toxaemias of pregnancy. *Med Press* 1944, 211, 244-246. Uterine fibroids. *Med Press* 1949, 221, 361-364.