Although he could have avoided front line service due to his age and position, Dalton stated that he saw it as his duty to serve.
[1] Dalton was known to work on the front lines of military combat and often marched with his men, carrying their weapons when they grew fatigued.
[1] Dalton was with the Essex Scottish Regiment in their role within the ill-fated Dieppe Raid.
Learning about the regiment's landing without him, Dalton demanded to be allowed to go ashore, but his request was denied.
[2] In the 1943 King's Birthday Honours, Dalton became the first Catholic priest to be appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire.