Personal info

  • Name: Harold Sanford MUGFORD
  • D.O.B: 31st Aug, 1894
  • D.O.A: 11th Apr, 1917
  • D.O.D: 6th Jun, 1958
  • Award: Victoria Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Lance Corporal, 8th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps, attached Essex Yeomanry, 8th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Cavalry Division
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
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Sources & Acknowledgements

Monchy-le-Preux, France 9, 11 April 1917

9, 11 April 1917

More details about:
The First World War 1917 

On 9 April 1917, the first day of the Battle of Arras, 7th Battalion The East Surrey Regiment was involved in an attack on the German line near Monchy-le-Preux, north of the Cambrai road, just over 5 miles east of Arras. The German defences included many small redoubts

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. 

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 23 November 1917. 26 November 1917, Numb. 30400, p. 12329

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