Page 220 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Bradford Brothers VC
With birdsongs lling the air on Saturday 11 March 17 two local councillors Robert Yorke and Christine Wilson pulled away the DLI ag to unveil a new statue dedicated to a WW1 VC hero from Witton Park. Roland Boys Bradford was born only 100 yards away from the new memorial in the centre of Witton Park near Bishop Auckland and it was 100 years ago since he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his brave leadership of two DLI battalions on the Somme.
Roland was one of four brothers who served in the First World War and between them amassed two VC’s, a DSO and two MC’s but three of them paid with their lives. James was killed aged 27 on 04 May1917, Roland was killed aged 25 on 30 November 1917, and George was killed aged 31 winning his VC in a naval engagement on 23 April 1918. Only Thomas the eldest son of a Witton Park Colliery manager survived.
LOYAL
“I QUICKLY
LEARNED
THAT
DURHAM
SOLDIERS
WERE TOUGH,
RESILIENT,
BRAVE AND
THE MOST
was unveiled by Cllr Eddie Bell. The most notable guest and speaker at the service was General Sir Peter de la Billiere KCB KBE DSO MC* DL who started his career with the DLI in the early 1950’s, in his address he said “I quickly learned that Durham soldiers were tough, resilient, brave and the most loyal of companions”. “The Bradford family were Durham born and bred and the four brothers epito- mised all the qualities of the DLI”.
“Today’s ceremony is focussed on this local hero who demonstrates the qualities of all Durham men”. Sir Peter also said “Sir Douglas Haig, the British Commander, wrote when he heard of Roland’s death “This example of his unsel sh courage and devotion to duty is, in my opinion, very worthy of being kept in continual remembrance by the Nation be died to serve”.
Roland rapidly rose through the ranks, and at the age of 25 became the youngest Brigadier General in the history of the British Army. In 1917 he led his brigade in the Battle of Cambrai, the rst major tank battle, but was killed on the tenth day.
Prior to the Memorial Service to Roland Bradford VC another service was conducted by the Revd Kenneth Crawford when the Dedication of the new DLI Association Bishop Auckland Branch Standard was attended by over 100 members of the DLI Association and the community of Witton Park, in the same grounds of the new Witton Park Memorial Garden. The Durham Army Cadet Force Band and Bugles provided the music throughout both services.
After the unveiling of the Roland Bradford VC stone and the unveiling of the unique art sculpture “Brother in Army sculptured by Ray Lonsdale a full programme of events was open to invited guests and the public. In the Witton Park Village Hall there was a performance of “The Fighting Bradfords” (a young person adaption). There was lunch for everyone at 1215 hrs followed by a pm programme for all, including another performance of “The Fighting Bradfords” Exhibitions from the “DLI Collection” telling the story of the Victoria Cross and the Durham soldiers who were awarded the medal during WW1.
A DVD “The Wear at War” produced by Lonely Towers Film and Media was shown Life along County Durham’s River Wear and the communities who fuelled the battalions and industry at the heart of the war effort. A poet cut down on the Somme. A family of VC heroes and much more.
It was a day that will always be remembered. THE RIFLES
Both Roland (DLI) and Brother George (Royal Navy) were awarded the VC in WW1
Wreaths were laid at the VC Memorial by HM’s Lord Lieutenant County Durham Sue Snowdon, Lord Derek Foster, Helen Goodman MP, Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr Eddie Bell, Ri es County Secretary Major (Retd) Chris Lawton and members of the Bradford family, after the VC stone
Lt Col Roland Boys Bradford VC MC
“Brother in Arms”
statue sculptured by Ray Lonsdale is unveiled with present Lord Lieutenant County Durham Sue Snowdon and previous Lord Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson in pose mood
218 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS