Sir Thomas Bradford's Medals Return to Durham

BBC News, North East and Cumbria reports that the medals of Sir Thomas Bradford, the only survivor of the remarkable 'Fighting Bradfords' family, have been reunited with his brothers' awards at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) archive in The Story, Durham.

Sir Thomas served with the DLI and his medals – including a Distinguished Service Order – were recently purchased at auction by the DLI's trustees, bringing this important collection back to County Durham.

Born in 1886 in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, Sir Thomas was educated at the Royal Naval College before being commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, DLI in 1906. When war broke out in 1914, he was Captain of D Company, 8th Battalion, DLI Territorial Force, later being promoted to Staff Captain and then Brigade Major.

The Bradford brothers' combined decorations include two Victoria Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, two Military Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches – making them possibly one of the most decorated families of the First World War. Sir Thomas himself was twice mentioned in Despatches.

His three brothers – Roland and James Bradford, who also served in the DLI, and Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC of the Royal Navy – were all killed in action. Roland Bradford, who was killed aged just 25, was one of the youngest Brigadier Generals in the British Army. Readers may be interested in our article on young officers who achieved high rank during the Great War.

After the war, Sir Thomas received a knighthood in 1939 and served as High Sheriff of County Durham in 1942. He died in 1966, 50 years after his brothers.

Colonel Ted Shields MBE, chair of trustees of the DLI, said: 'The courage and sacrifice of the Fighting Bradfords is a story of County Durham. When Tommie's medals came up for auction earlier this year, we knew we had to bring them home.'

Visit the DLI archive in The Story, Durham.