Harold Sandford Mugford

He kept his gun firing after enemy fire shattered both legs.

Harold Sandford Mugford was born in Bermondsey, London, on 31 August 1894. A shipping clerk in civilian life, he joined the Territorial Essex Yeomanry in December 1912. Mobilised in 1914, he went to France that November. His aptitude with machine guns led to transfer to the newly formed Machine Gun Corps in 1916, serving with its 8th Squadron alongside his former cavalry brigade.

On 11 April 1917, during the Battle of Arras, the cavalry fought to hold Monchy-le-Preux until the infantry could come forward. Lance Corporal Mugford brought his machine gun into an exposed position and fired on German troops assembling for a counterattack. His second gunner was killed and Mugford himself wounded. Ordered to occupy another position and then seek treatment, he continued working his gun instead.

Another shell shattered both his legs. He still refused to abandon the position, asking his comrades to take cover while he kept firing. After he was finally brought to a dressing station, he suffered a further wound to his arm. His resistance helped break up the threatened counterattack. Both legs subsequently had to be amputated.

King George V presented his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on 3 July 1918. Returning to civilian life, Mugford became closely involved in Chelmsford's community organisations. He served as president of its photographic club, supported the cathedral and British Legion, and took part in amateur dramatics. During the Second World War he raised money for charitable causes, including the local fighter-aircraft fund. His wife Amy was active in the Women's Institute.

Mugford died at Chelmsford on 16 June 1958. His six-medal group, including the coronation medals of 1937 and 1953, preserved the military and public recognition of a man who lived for four decades after his disabling wounds.

Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, under intense shell and machine gun fire, L./Cpl. Mugford succeeded in getting his machine gun into a forward and very exposed position. From this point he was able to deal most effectively with the enemy, who were massing for counter-attack. His No. 2 was killed almost immediately, and at the same moment he himself was severely wounded. He was then ordered to a new position, and told to go to a dressing-station as soon as the position was occupied. He refused to go to the dressing station, but continued on duty with his gun, inflicting severe loss on the enemy. Soon after he was again wounded, a shell breaking both of his legs. He still remained with his gun, begging his comrades to leave him and take cover. Shortly afterwards this non-commissioned officer was removed to the dressing-station, where he was again wounded in the arm. The valour and initiative displayed by L./Cpl. Mugford was instrumental in breaking up the impending counter-attack of the enemy.