Morton was educated at Leeds Grammar School and Leeds University, qualifying M.B., Ch.B. in 1912. He subsequently held the posts of ophthalmic and aural house-surgeon and house-physician at Leeds Infirmary, and of house-surgeon at the Women's and Children's Hospital, also in Leeds. He took up a temporary commission with the R.A.M.C. at the rank of Lieutenant on 26th September 1914. On 26th October 1914 he reported his arrival to the Assistant Director of Medical Services (A.D.M.S.), Rouen Base and was taken on strength as a temporary measure. On 11th December 1914 he reported his arrival to the A.D.M.S., 1st Division, who posted him to serve with the 1st Field Ambulance. On 28th January 1915 he was ordered to report to the Officer Commanding the 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards for temporary duty as Medical Officer serving with the regiment. He returned to the 1st Field Ambulance on the morning of the 30th. On 21st February 1915 he received an order to proceed to the 1st Bn. Cameroon Highlands to cover for the Medical Officer who had been admitted into hospital. He remained there until 22nd April 1916, when he reported his arrival for temporary duty back with the 1st Field Ambulance, as authorized by the Assistant Director of Medical Services, 1st Division. During this time he gained the rank of Temporary Captain on 26th September 1915. On 2nd May 1916 he was posted to the 8th Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment to assume medical charge, and was struck off the strength of the 1st Field Ambulance. He was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in the field whilst serving with this regiment, and was still the medical officer of this regiment when he was fatally wounded. He was the youngest son of the Rev. Alfred Henry and Mary Jane Peto of Sykehouse, Yorkshire.