| Roland Boys Bradford | |
|---|---|
Bradford's grave at Hermies British Cemetery |
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| Born | February 22 Bishop Auckland, County Durham |
| Died | November 30 1917 (aged 24–25) near Canal du Nord, Cambrai, France |
| Place of burial | Hermies British Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1912 - 1917 † |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | Durham Light Infantry |
| Commands held | 186th Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | World War I Battle of the Somme Battle of Cambrai |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
| Relations | George Nicholson Bradford (brother) |
Brigadier General 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. His brother was also awarded the VC, making them the only brothers to be awarded the VC during World War I.
Bradford was born on 22 February 1892 to George Bradford.[1] and educated at Epsom College in Surrey. He had three brothers, James Barker, Thomas Andrews and George Nicholson.[2] He was 24 years old, and a temporary lieutenant colonel commanding the 9th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War. He was awarded the VC for his actions on 1 October 1916 at Eaucourt L'Abbaye, France
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For most conspicuous bravery and good leadership in attack, whereby he saved the situation on the right flank of his Brigade and of the Division. Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford's Battalion was in support. A leading Battalion having suffered very severe casualties, and the Commander wounded, its flank became dangerously exposed at close quarters to the enemy. Raked by machine-gun fire, the situation of the Battalion was critical. At the request of the wounded Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford asked permission to command the exposed Battalion in addition to his own. Permission granted, he at once proceeded to the foremost lines. By his fearless energy under fire of all description, and his skilful leadership of the two Battalions, regardless of all danger, he succeeded in rallying the attack, captured and defended the objective, and so secured the flank.—The London Gazette, 24 November 1916[1]
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.
His two brothers, Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC, and Second Lieutenant James Barker Bradford, both died in service.[2] George and Roland were the only brothers to win the VC in World War I.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Durham, England.