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."

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