Edward Kinder Bradbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Kinder Bradbury
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| Born | 16 August 1881 Altrincham, Cheshire |
| Died | 1 September 1914 (aged 33) Néry, France |
| Buried |
Nery Communal Cemetery
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| Allegiance | UK |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1900–1914 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Horse Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War World War I
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| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Captain Edward Kinder Bradbury was a very brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Edward Bradbury was an officer in the British Army during the First World War. He was part of 'L' Battery, Royal Horse Artillery. On September 1, 1914, he showed incredible bravery during a battle at Néry, France. This battle was part of the Retreat from Mons. Captain Bradbury was killed in action during this fight. Because of his amazing courage at Néry, he and two other soldiers were given the Victoria Cross.
Contents
Becoming a Soldier
Edward Bradbury was born in August 1881 in Altrincham, Cheshire. He went to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, which is a special school for training army officers.
Joining the Army
He became a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on May 2, 1900. He was promoted to full lieutenant in April 1901.
Service in South Africa
In January 1902, he was sent to South Africa to serve in the Second Boer War. He joined the 31st Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry. The war ended a few months later. Bradbury left the Imperial Yeomanry in November 1902. He then joined the 127th Battery RFA in 1904.
Working with the Foreign Office
In 1905, he worked with the Foreign Office, which handles international relations. During this time, he might have served with the King's African Rifles. He returned to his regular army duties in 1907. He became a captain in 1910. In February 1912, he became an adjutant, helping with administrative tasks, before returning to normal duties later that year.
Bravery in the First World War
When the First World War began, Captain Bradbury was 33 years old. He was serving with 'L' Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery.
The Battle of Néry
On September 1, 1914, a very fierce battle took place at Néry, France. The enemy launched a strong attack. During this battle, all the other officers in 'L' Battery were either killed or badly wounded.
Captain Bradbury, along with Sergeant Major Dorrell and Sergeant Nelson, bravely continued to fight the German attack. Even after being severely injured by a shell while getting ammunition, Captain Bradbury kept directing his battery's fire. He continued to lead his men until he died.
Captain Bradbury's Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the Imperial War Museum in London, England. It reminds everyone of his incredible courage and sacrifice.
