While this is WW1 it is still an interesting story except for the boys on the GWF. The most highly decorated family in WW1. Brigadier-General R B Bradford VC MC, and his 3 brothers
I was at Roland's grave only a couple of weeks ago. Yes, an amazing family - and a very sad ending to so much promise.
Geoff. Makes me proud and makes me cry. Ps What does this comment mean,eh? except for the boys on the GWF.
Geoff. Makes me proud and makes me cry. Ps What does this comment mean,eh? I figured GWF members would already be aware of their efforts.
The Bradfords are certainly heroes of mine. I went on a guided tour of the Somme in 2004; the tour leader asked me if there was a particular theme that I wanted to follow. I suggested Roland Bradford, the British Army's youngest General (if you include Brigadier-Generals). We found the site of his VC action at Eaucourt-L'Abbaye; the church crypt from in which he operated his brigade HQ; the site of his death on the bank of the Canal du Nord near Cambrai, and his grave. I took this photo of the site near the Canal Adrian
As a point of reference, when was the rank of Brigadier General phased out of the rank structure. 1922, IIRC.
As a point of reference, when was the rank of Brigadier General phased out of the rank structure. If wikipedia is right then It was introduced into the British Army in 1928 to replace the short-lived appointment of Colonel-Commandant that had replaced the rank of Brigadier-General in 1922. The equivalent US rank is Brigadier-General. Brigadiers generally command brigades. Before 1922 the term "brigadier" was often used to refer to brigade commanders, and hence often but not necessarily referred to Brigadier-Generals.
