Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 290

(x) The Second World War Canadian Memorial Cross awarded in memory of Able Seaman E. Bradley, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, a two-time deserter, who died on 15 August 1943 from meningitis brought on as a result of suffering a fractured skull received during a fight with a British sailor

Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R., fitted with ring suspension (Eric Bradley Able Smn. R.C.N.V.R.), toned good very fine

Eric Bradley was born at Bishop Auckland, County Durham on 22 July 1918 and he was the son of Mr and Mrs W. Bradley. He had worked at a Hotel Clerk before he enlisted into the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve on 23 August 1940, however his papers confirm two weeks service with the 3rd Field Battery (Gananoque) Ontario of the Royal Canadian Artillery. He carried out a Gunnery course but deserted in early 1941 as a result of not being given leave he was expecting to have received. He was sentenced to 42 days detention on 22 October 1941 however he escaped his detention and deserted the following day. Bradley was finally apprehended by the R.C.M.P. on 14 March 1942 at Gananoque, Ontario, still wearing his naval uniform. He served on Stadacona 16 March 1942 - 2 June 1942 no doubt as a prisoner. From 4 June 1942 - 18 July 1942 Stadacona (Wasaga). He served on Avalon (Wasaga) between 19 July 1942 - 11 May 1943 and served on Mayflower from 12 May 1943 - 15 August 1943 (DOD).

Bradley was involved in a fight with a British sailor at the Service Club, Donegal Place, Belfast on 7 August 1943, however he returned to the Y.M.C.A. at Wellington Place not requiring treatment however on 10 August on the advice of a naval surgeon he was found to have suffered a fractured skull, as a consequence of this he contracted meningitis and died at Stranmillis Military Hospital, Belfast on 15 August 1943. He is buried in Auckland (St.Andrew) New Churchyard), Durham.

He is further entitled to a 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Canadian Service Medal 1939-1945 with maple leaf clasp, War Medal 1939-45.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£90

Starting price
£50