Arthur Borton then transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service Motor Machine-Gun Armoured Cars taking part in the Gallipoli landings at Suvla Bay in August 1915 as a Lieutenant Commander. It was during this action that Borton was awarded the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO ).

Arriving back in England Borton transferred back into the Army and was appointed second in command of the 2nd / 22nd ( County of London ) Bn, The London Regiment, later achieving command of the whole battalion with whom he earned his Victoria Cross in Palestine.

For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 18 December 1917 ], Sheria, Palestine, 7 November 1917, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Drummond Borton DSO, 2nd / 22nd ( County of London ) Bn, London Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery and leadership ( Sheria, Palestine ). Under most difficult conditions in darkness and in an unknown country, he deployed his battalion for attack, and at dawn led his attacking companies against a strongly held position. When the leading waves were checked by a withering machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Colonel Borton showed an utter contempt of danger, and moved freely up and down his lines under heavy fire. Reorganising his command, he led his men forward, and captured the position.

At a later stage of the fight, he led a party of volunteers against a battery of field guns in action at point-blank range, capturing the guns and the detachments.

His fearless leadership was an inspiring example to the whole Brigade.

Arthur Borton was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 23rd February 1918.

For the award of the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO )

[ London Gazette, 31 May 1916 ], Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, Turkey, Lieutenant Commander Arthur Drummond Borton, Motor Machine-Gun Cars ( Royal Naval Air Service )

In recognition of most valuable service whilst in command of a detachment of Royal Marine Motor Machine-Guns in difficult and dangerous parts of the line on the Gallipoli peninsular.