In Blankenberge Town Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford, V.C., serving on H.M.S. Iris 11 with the Royal Navy who died 23/04/1918.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, of Milbanke, Darlington. His brothers, James Barker Bradford and Roland Boys Bradford also died in service. His brother Thomas survived.
An extract from “The London Gazette,” No. 31236, 14/03/1919, records the following:-
“For most conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge on the night of the 22nd-23rd April, 1918. This Officer was in command of the Naval Storming Parties embarked in “Iris II”. When “Iris II” proceeded alongside the Mole great difficulty was experienced in placing the parapet anchors owing to the motion of the ship. An attempt was made to land by the scaling ladders before the ship was secured. Lieutenant Claude E.K. Hawkings (late “Erin“) managed to, get one ladder in position and actually reached the parapet, the ladder being crushed to pieces just as he stepped off it. This very gallant young officer was last seen defending himself with his revolver. He was killed on the parapet.
Though securing the ship was not part of his duties, Lieut.-Commander Bradford climbed up the derrick, which carried a large parapet anchor and was rigged out over the port side; during this climb the ship was surging up and down and the derrick crashing on the Mole. Waiting his opportunity he jumped with the parapet anchor on to the Mole and placed it in position. Immediately after hooking on the parapet anchor Lieut.-Commander Bradford was riddled with bullets from machine guns and fell into the sea between the Mole and the ship. Attempts to recover his body failed. Lieut.-Commander Bradford’s action was one of absolute self-sacrifice; without a moment’s hesitation he went to certain death, recognising that in such action lay the only possible chance of securing “Iris II” and enabling her storming parties to land.”
The Victoria Cross Roll of Honour; James W. Bancroft; 1989; Aim High Productions; ISBN 1 85421 058 0;
The Complete Victoria Cross: A full Chronological Record of all Holders of Britain’s Highest Award for Gallantry; Kevin Brazier; 2010; Pen & Sword Books; ISBN 1 84884150 7
The Journal 21/03/2025 reports that all the Bradford Brothers’ medals were bought by the Durham Light Infantry to be displayed in The Story to tell of the most decorated family in the Great War.
George Nicholson Bradford is remembered at Barnard Castle School on B135.04 and B135.20, at Darlington on D40.029, D40.034, D40.072, D40.073, and D40.102, at Witton Park on W125.10, and on our List of Ships’ Crews.
