Roland Bradford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roland Boys Bradford
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| Born | 23 February 1892 Witton Park, County Durham, England |
| Died | 30 November 1917 (aged 25) near Canal du Nord, Cambrai, France |
| Buried |
Hermies British Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1910–1917 |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Unit | Durham Light Infantry |
| Commands held | 186th (2/2nd West Riding) Brigade 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
| Relations | George Bradford (brother) |
Brigadier-General Roland Boys Bradford was a brave officer in the British Army. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Cross (MC). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery in battle for British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Roland Bradford was born on February 23, 1892, and died on November 30, 1917. His older brother, George Bradford, also won the Victoria Cross. This makes them the only brothers to both receive this special medal during the First World War.
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Early Life and Family
Roland Bradford was born in Witton Park, England. His parents were George and Mary Bradford. He went to school at Epsom College in Surrey. Roland had three brothers: James, Thomas, and George.
Joining the Army
Roland Bradford joined the 5th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry in 1910. This was a part-time army unit. In 1912, he joined the full-time British Army. He became a second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. By the time the First World War started in 1914, he was a lieutenant.
Winning the Victoria Cross
On October 1, 1916, Roland Bradford was a temporary lieutenant colonel. He was in charge of the 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He earned the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery in France.
During a battle, another army unit was in trouble. They had lost many soldiers, and their leader was hurt. Their side was open to enemy fire. Roland Bradford asked if he could take command of that unit, as well as his own.
Once he had permission, he went to the front lines. He was fearless and showed great leadership. He helped both units fight back. He captured their goal and held the position. His actions saved the day for his army.
Youngest General and Death
On November 13, 1917, Roland Bradford was promoted. He became a brigadier general at just 25 years old. This made him the youngest general in the modern British Army.
Sadly, he was killed in action just seventeen days later. This happened near Cambrai, France, on November 30, 1917.
All three of Roland's brothers also fought in the First World War. Two of them, Lieutenant Commander George Bradford and Second Lieutenant James Bradford, also died serving their country. Roland and George were the only brothers to win the Victoria Cross in the First World War. His third brother, Thomas, later became a respected figure in his home county.
Remembering Roland Bradford
Roland Bradford's Victoria Cross and Military Cross medals are very important. They are kept at Palace Green Library in Durham. People can ask to see them there.
In 2017, a special memorial garden and statue were created for him. This was done in his birthplace, Witton Park. The statue, called The Ball, shows a soldier returning home. A local miner is comforting him and giving him a football. This represents getting his old life back after the war.
