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The medals awarded to Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford, including a Distinguished Service Order (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford, who served in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), was the eldest of the renowned 'Fighting Bradfords,' who were recognised for their valour in the First World War. The Bradfords, from Witton Park , County Durham, are believed to be the most decorated family from the North East, with two Victoria Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, two Military Crosses, and three Mentions in Despatches between them. Thomas was the only brother to survive the conflict.
Both Roland and James, who also served in the DLI, and their other brother, Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC, who served in the Royal Navy, were killed in action. The Bradford Brothers, from left, Roland, Thomas, George and James (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL) Born in 1886, Sir Thomas Andrews Bradford was educated at the Royal Naval College, Eltham and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, DLI, in 1906. At the outbreak of war in, 1914, Thomas was Captain of 'D' Company, 8th Battalion, DLI Territorial Force.
The Durhams left Newcastle on April 19, 1915, arriving at the Front on April 24, and were straight into action at the Second Battle of Ypres. On April 25, Thomas rallied and supported his men through heavy bombardment of trenches and huge loss of life. In just one day, 173 men in the company of 200 lost their lives, with Thomas risking his own life to lead others to safety.
Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford, of Witton Park, County Durham (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL) During his military service, Thomas was twice mentioned in Despatches and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He was later promoted to Staff Captain and then to Brigade Major. Thomas is also remembered for his public and political service in County Durham, which led to him receiving a knighthood in 1939.
In 1942, he served as High Sheriff of County Durham . Throughout his retirement, Thomas worked for the DLI Regimental Association, and he remained a great sporting enthusiast. Thomas died in 1966, 50 years after his three brothers.
The Trustees of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) have now bought Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford’s medals at auction and presented them to Durham County Council’s culture and heritage venue, The Story, for safekeeping. Colonel Ted Shields MBE, Chair of Trustees of the DLI, centre left, presents the medals to Cllr Chris Hood, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Armed Forces support, right. They are pictured with representatives from The Story and the Trustees of the DLI (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The Story is home to the DLI Collection and Archive, and the acquisition means the medals have been united with other gallantry awards, objects and archives relating to the Bradford brothers.
This includes the Victoria Cross presented to Brigadier General Roland Boys Bradford VC and the Death Penny of Second Lieutenant James Barker Bradford MC. Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford’s medals have been united with other gallantry awards, objects and archives relating to the Bradford brothers at The Story (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL) 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. Recommended reading: "When Tommie’s medals came up for auction earlier this year, we knew we had to bring them home.
The Trustees are honoured to share Tommie Bradford’s medals with all who visit The Story.”.
