Beschreibung:

Victoria Cross. WWI silver war badge issued to Lance-Corporal Harold Sandford Mugford VC, Machine Gun Corps, the silver badge numbered '379066', vertical pin, 39mm diameter (Qty: 1) 51507 Lance-Corporal Harold Sandford Mugford (1894-1958) was born in St James' London, he served on the Western Front with 8th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps and was awarded the Victoria Cross for an action at Monchy-le-Preux, near Arras, France on 11 April 1917. London Gazette: 23 November 1917 '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.' As a result of his wounds sustained, Mugford was evacuated to England and underwent six operations. Both legs were amputated above the knee and shrapnel was removed from his hip, tongue and jaw. He was confined to a wheelchair for much of the rest of his life. Mugford was awarded the silver war badge on 20 July 1918. The Victoria Cross is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection, Imperial War Museum, London, a powerful and emotive piece.