Latest news with #DistinguishedServiceOrder
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WW1 hero's medals reunited with family archive
Medals awarded to the eldest of four brothers, thought to be one of the most decorated families of World War One, have been returned to his home county. Sir Thomas Bradford served with the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) and his medals, which include a Distinguished Service Order, were recently bought at auction by the DLI's trustees. He was the only brother to survive the war and his medals have now been reunited with his siblings' awards at the DLI archive in The Story, Durham. Between them, they have two Victoria Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, two Military Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches. Born in 1886 in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, Sir Thomas was educated at the Royal Naval College and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, DLI in 1906. In 1914 when war broke out, he was Captain of D Company, 8th Battalion, DLI Territorial Force. Sir Thomas was later promoted to Staff Captain and then to Brigade Major. His brothers Roland and James Bradford, 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. Sir Thomas was twice mentioned in the Despatches and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He received a knighthood in 1939 and served as High Sheriff of County Durham in 1942. He died in 1966, 50 years after his three 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." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. World War One medal returned to right family The Story
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WW1 hero's medals reunited with family archive
Medals awarded to the eldest of four brothers, thought to be one of the most decorated families of World War One, have been returned to his home county. Sir Thomas Bradford served with the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) and his medals, which include a Distinguished Service Order, were recently bought at auction by the DLI's trustees. He was the only brother to survive the war and his medals have now been reunited with his siblings' awards at the DLI archive in The Story, Durham. Between them, they have two Victoria Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, two Military Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches. Born in 1886 in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, Sir Thomas was educated at the Royal Naval College and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, DLI in 1906. In 1914 when war broke out, he was Captain of D Company, 8th Battalion, DLI Territorial Force. Sir Thomas was later promoted to Staff Captain and then to Brigade Major. His brothers Roland and James Bradford, 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. Sir Thomas was twice mentioned in the Despatches and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He received a knighthood in 1939 and served as High Sheriff of County Durham in 1942. He died in 1966, 50 years after his three 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." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. World War One medal returned to right family The Story


BBC News
15-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
County Durham WW1 hero's medals reunited with family archive
Medals awarded to the eldest of four brothers, thought to be one of the most decorated families of World War One, have been returned to his home Thomas Bradford served with the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) and his medals, which include a Distinguished Service Order, were recently bought at auction by the DLI's was the only brother to survive the war and his medals have now been reunited with his siblings' awards at the DLI archive in The Story, them, they have two Victoria Crosses, one Distinguished Service Order, two Military Crosses and three Mentions in Despatches. Born in 1886 in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, Sir Thomas was educated at the Royal Naval College and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, DLI in 1914 when war broke out, he was Captain of D Company, 8th Battalion, DLI Territorial Thomas was later promoted to Staff Captain and then to Brigade Major. His brothers Roland and James Bradford, 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 Thomas was twice mentioned in the Despatches and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He received a knighthood in 1939 and served as High Sheriff of County Durham in 1942. He died in 1966, 50 years after his three 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." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.

Zawya
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Honored in Liberia for His Long-Term Military Prowess and Regional Statesmanship
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has been awarded the 'Distinguished Service Order' by His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, for his long-term military prowess and statesmanship in the region. The award ceremony took place at the country's 68th Anniversary Armed Forces Day celebration at the Barclay Training Centre in Monrovia. Performing the honors, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai commended President Bio for his service to regional peace and international security, which, according to him, 'is a source of enormous pride that reflects distinct credit upon himself, his family, his country, and the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia'. His Excellency Joseph Nyua Boakai Sr., President of Liberia, thanked President Bio for honoring his invitation to serve as Guest and Keynote Speaker of the country's 68th Armed Forces Anniversary celebration. He confirmed that since inception, President Bio was the first sitting president to have graced their celebration of their gallant men and women in the Liberia Armed Forces. President Boakai, on behalf of his government and the people of Liberia, assured President Bio of his government's unflinching support for Sierra Leone, while calling on Liberians and local and international partners to support the military in consolidating peace and stability in the country and the region. Giving his keynote address on the theme, 'Sustainable Peace and Security through Stakeholder Engagement: The Role of the Armed Forces,' President Bio reminded the gallant men and women of the Liberia Armed Forces that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved without the steadfast commitment of professional and disciplined armed forces. He stressed that the army protects national sovereignty and is a pillar of democratic governance. 'History has shown us that when the military aligns with democratic values, nations prosper; when it deviates, societies falter. Your commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights, and collaboration with civil institutions will strengthen Liberia's democracy,' President Bio noted. The President informed the military that their positive contributions to their nation would set an example for the region and reassure the people of their unwavering commitment to democratic values. He encouraged them to remain steadfast, ensuring that their service is marked by integrity, patriotism, and a steadfast dedication to peace. 'Comrades, the people of Liberia look to you with trust. The region looks to you with expectation, and history will remember you for your steadfastness in upholding the principles of peace, justice, and democracy. Long live the armed forces; long live the Republic of Liberia; long live the Republic of Sierra Leone; long live the continent of Africa,' President Bio concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.