Edward Kinder Bradbury

Keeping the last gun firing against heavy odds at Néry town.

Edward Kinder Bradbury commanded the resistance of L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, at Néry during the retreat from Mons. Born in Altrincham on 16 August 1881, he studied at Marlborough and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, before receiving his commission in 1900. He subsequently served in South Africa and with the King's African Rifles.

L Battery reached France in August 1914. On 1 September, German guns opened a sudden, close-range bombardment on its position at Néry. With the battery's officers killed or wounded and most guns disabled, Captain Bradbury helped keep a single gun in action. Sergeant Major George Dorrell and Sergeant David Nelson continued the resistance alongside him.

While obtaining ammunition Bradbury suffered a catastrophic leg wound. He nevertheless continued directing the gun until he died. Its resistance helped prevent the destruction of the British force. All three men received the Victoria Cross for their conduct.

Bradbury was buried in Néry Communal Cemetery. His mother received his Cross from King George V in 1916. The decoration later passed to L (Néry) Battery, preserving the connection between the regiment and the officer who died directing its last working gun.

Victoria Cross citation

For gallantry and ability in organising the defence of “L” Battery against heavy odds at Nery on 1st September.