| Bridgford | Robert James | | Captain | BRIDGFORD, ROBERT JAMES, Captain, was born 10 March, 1869, son of Sir Robert Bridgford, KCB. He joined the Manchester Regiment from the Militia, 21 December 1889; became Lieutenant 3 December 1891, and Captain 24 January 1898. He served in South Africa, 1898-1902; during the operations in Natal, 1899, including action at Lombard's Kop; taking part in the defence of Ladysmith, including action of 6 January 1900; during operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September). He was present during the operations in the Transvaal, December 1900 to July 1901, and November 1901 to April, 1902; during operations in Orange River Colony, March 1901, July to September 1901, and November 1901; in the operations in Cape Colony, March, 1901. He was employed with 1st Johannesburg Mounted Rifles, and in command of Mounted Infantry Battalion (from 24 April, 1901). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901], and received the Queen's Medal with three clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Robert James Bridgford, Captain, Manchester Regiment. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented there. He was promoted to Major 24 February 1904, and was transferred to the Shropshire Light Infantry 16 Sept, 1905. From 8 January 1908, to 15 August 1908, he served as Commandant, Mounted Infantry, in Egypt. Major Bridgford was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 11 February 1914. He served in the European War from 1914; as Temporary Brigadier General, 18th Infantry Brigade, BEF, 14 August 1915, to 2 May 1915; Brigade Commander, 141st Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 8 July to 18 August 1916; Brigade Commander, 18th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 19 August 1916, to 29 August 1917; Brigade Commander, 2nd Reserve Infantry Brigade, Home Forces, 14 October 1917, to 18 March, 1918; Divisional Commander, British Armies in France, 9 April, to 26 April, 1918; Temporary Major General 9 April, to 30 May 1918; Divisional Commander, 32nd Division, British Armies in France, 27 April to 30 May 1918; Brigade Commander, 222nd Division, Infantry Brigade, Forces in Great Britain, 6 August 1918. He was created a CB. Colonel Bridgford married, in 1898, Mary Constance, daughter of the Venerable Frederick Charles Hamilton. CB, (m), CMG, DSO, QSA (5) CC DofL OFS L-N Belf (Capt DSO Man Regt), KSA (2), 1914-15 Star (Lt Col), BWM, Victory Medal with MID (Maj-Gen). Sotheby's 1997 est £1200-1500.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Manchester Regiment |
