George Nicholson Bradford
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George Nicholson Bradford (23 April 1887-23 April 1918) 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 30 years old, and a lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant-Commander Bradford commanding the naval storming parties embarked in HMS Iris II found there was great difficulty in placing the parapet anchors when the ship came alongside the Mole. Although securing the ship was not part of his duties, the lieutenant-commander climbed a derrick which was projecting out over the Mole and, under heavy fire, with the derrick crashing against the Mole because of the violent tossing of the ship, he picked his moment and jumped with the anchor. He had just placed it in position when he was killed.
Brother of Lieutenant Colonel Roland Boys Bradford, VC.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Naval VCs (Stephen Snelling, 2002)
[edit] External links
- The Raid on Zeebrugge
- Roland Bradford and his brothers (summary, photos, links to further biographical and CWGC details within site)
