Harry George Crandon

He gave up his horse under fire to save his wounded comrade.

Harry George Crandon was born at Wells, Somerset, in February 1874. He joined the 18th Hussars and served in South Africa during the Second Boer War. His campaign included the fighting at Talana and the defence of Ladysmith, followed by operations across the Orange Free State and Transvaal.

On 4 July 1901, near Springbok Laagte, Private Crandon went back to a wounded soldier, Private Berry, who had been left behind during a withdrawal. Enemy riflemen were close enough to make an extended rescue particularly dangerous. Crandon surrendered his own horse to Berry and continued on foot, exposing himself to fire while the wounded man escaped. The intervention saved Berry from being abandoned to the advancing enemy. Crandon received the Victoria Cross for his conduct.

After his first period of service he settled in Swinton and worked as a gardener on the estate of Sir James Lees Knowles. He took part in the guard of honour for the royal visit to Salford in July 1905. He subsequently emigrated to the United States, but returned to Britain after the outbreak of the First World War and rejoined the cavalry.

He served in France in 1915 and was wounded in the foot during the Second Battle of Ypres. His later wartime service took him to the Balkans, Egypt and Palestine. He married Margaret Elizabeth Garlock in 1918 and they had a daughter. After the war he returned to civilian life. A road accident in 1948 left him with serious injuries, including two broken legs. He died in Swinton on 2 January 1953.

Official citation (excerpt)

"Private Crandon at once rode back under a heavy fire to his assistance, gave up his horse to the wounded man"