VILLAGERS in Bowdon turned out in force to commemorate the life and courageous death of one of its own.
The occasion was marked on Monday by the unveiling of a blue plaque to Captain Edward Kinder Bradbury, who was killed in the First War at the battle of Nery during the retreat from Mons, on September 1, 1914. Aged just 33, Captain Bradbury was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for gallantry.
Streets in Bowdon were closed, as soldiers from A Battery of the 1st Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery, marched from St Mary's down Church Brow close to the site at Church Bank where Captain Bradbury was born.
They were accompanied by the 3rd Davyhulme(Lostock) Scout and Guide Trafford and Manchester Band, the Mayor of Trafford Cllr Ejaz Malik, leader of Trafford Council Cllr Sean Anstee, Vicar of Bowdon, Rev Roger Preece and Altrincham Provost and Court Leet Denise Laver.
It also included members of the family of Capt Bradbury and the blue plaque was unveiled by second cousins Mrs Janet Knight and Mrs Mary Shaw.
Mrs Knight, who lives in North Shropshire, said the family only discovered the history of Captain Bradbury in papers nine years ago after the death of a family member.
She said: "It was the type of thing that most families in the past would have never discussed. Coming here today has been like coming home.
"It's wonderful to have a VC in the family, although it would have been nice to have known it sooner but it is really nice for the younger members of the family to be able to come and see the plaque in the future. We are all very proud."
Lt Col Charlie Hewitt, the Commanding Officer 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said:.“Captain Bradbury's actions on that historic day in Néry embody the tradition and fighting spirit of 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
"He personally led six guns into action in the face of overwhelming fire from 12 German guns and machine guns, after they were completely surprised. His immortal cry of 'Come on; who’s for the guns', embodies his spirit – a gentleman, a hero and a true Royal Horse Artillery officer.”
Cllr Sean Anstee said: “It is fitting to remember and celebrate the life of such a courageous World War
On Monday, Capt Bradbury’s own L Battery were in Néry itself commemorating the battle with both German and French military units and the villagers, with whom the battery still has a strong bond.
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