Roland Boys Bradford

Roland Boys Bradford (VC, MC) 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 T/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 skilful leadership of both battalions, he succeeded in rallying the attack and capturing and defending the objective.

He was killed in action, Cambrai, France, on 30 November 1917.

Brother of Lieutenant-Commander George Nicholson Bradford, VC. He later achieved the rank of Brigadier General.

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

Reference

• 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)

External links

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

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.