George Nicholson Bradford

Who was George Nicholson Bradford?

Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. His brother was also awarded the VC, making them the only brothers to be awarded the VC during World War I.

Bradford was born on 23 April 1887 to George Bradford. He had three brothers, Thomas Andrews, James Barker and Roland Boys. He attended Barnard Castle School. He was 30 years old, and a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy during the First World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, when commanding the naval storming parties embarked in HMS Iris II. He died on 23 April 1918, his 31st birthday, committing the act for which he was awarded the cross.

Two of his brothers, Brigadier-General Roland Boys Bradford VC, MC, and Second Lieutenant James Barker Bradford MC, died in service.