Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Serjt. Major Michl. Bradford, R. Sappers & Miners) good very fine £250-300

Michael Bradford became Serjeant-Major at Woolwich in February 1848 and was involved in the military preparations to counter the threat of a possible ‘Chartist’ uprising. On 8 April 1848 he was part of the contingent of 100 men under Captain Tylee, R.E. despatched from Woolwich to the Tower of London. Expecting trouble, each man took with him 40 rounds of ammunition. The next day, Bradford with part of the contingent under Lieutenant Wilkinson, R.E., was removed to guard the Bank of England, and defensive positions were built on the roof of the edifice. Fortunately for all, the expected trouble did not occur.

On 17 December 1855 Bradford was commissioned Quartermaster in the corps. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and an annuity of £10 on 1 April 1855, ‘For constant zeal and uniform efficiency in his duties. Served several years at Gibraltar. Relinquished the annuity on being commissioned to be quartermaster’.

For his many services to the corps and the esteem in which he was held, Bradford received a number of presentation awards. In 1855, from the non-commissioned officers of the corps at Woolwich, he received ‘an elegant double-handled silver goblet’, “as a mark of regard and esteem”. In 1856, from Captains Theodosius Webb, G. Ross, F. E. Cox, Fitzroy Somerset and Lieutenant G. R. Lempriere, R.E., he received a regimental sword, “as a mark of their regard and esteem for his character and conduct.” He had been the Serjeant-Major at headquarters, while the officers making the presentation had all been Acting Adjutants. Quartermaster Bradford was placed on Half Pay in April 1864.