Roland Boys Bradford

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Roland Boys Bradford (VC, MC) (22 February 1892 - 30 November 1917) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 24 years old, and a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th Bn., The Durham Light Infantry, British Army, Commander during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 October 1916 at Eaucourt L'Abbaye, France, when a leading battalion had suffered very severe casualties and the commander was wounded, its flank was dangerously exposed to the enemy. At the request of the wounded commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bradford took command of that battalion in addition to his own. By his fearless energy under fire of all descriptions, and skillful leadership of both battalions, he succeeded in rallying the attack and capturing and defending the objective.

On 20 November 1917, at the age of 25, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General; he was the youngest general officer in the British Army of modern times (and the youngest promoted professionally, earlier young generals were simply due to position). Ten days later, he was killed in action, at Cambrai, France, on 30 November 1917.

He was the brother of Lieutenant-Commander George Nicholson Bradford, VC: they were the only brothers to win the VC in World War I.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery (Durham City, England).

[edit] References

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• VCs of the First World War - The Somme (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)

[edit] External links

• Roland Boys Bradford V.C. M.C. D.L.I. (biography, links to photos, other details on site )