HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT ARCHIVE TO MAJOR RICHARD WAKEFORD VC

HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT ARCHIVE TO MAJOR RICHARD WAKEFORD VC Richard Wakeford was born in Kensington London in 1921. Wakeford was educated at Westminster School, later undertaking a medical degree at Oxford. The declaration of war, unfortunately, halted his studies. Commissioned into 2/4th Hampshire Regiment as Lieutenant on 22nd February 1941. Wakeford was awarded the Victoria Cross for the following deed during the battle of Monte Cassino; 'On 13th May 44, Capt Wakeford's Coy was the leading Coy on the right Flank of the 2/4 Hampshire's attack on "Hill 50" and "Hill 38". At one time accompanied by his orderly and armed only with a revolver he killed a number of Germans who resisted him and handed over 20 prisoners to the Coy as they came forward. On the final objective, a German officer and 5 Ors were stoutly defending a house. Captain Wakeford went forward with grenades to oust them out. Twice he was driven back by enemy grenades, but with a final dash he reached the window and hurled in his grenade. Those of the enemy who were not killed or wounded, surrendered. On 14th May, during the attack on the Massa Vertechi feature, a tank in the leading wave became hopelessly bogged on the start line; the surprise was lost and the leading infantry caught in the enemy's DF fire. The resulting disorganisation and heavy casualties might have easily led to a complete failure of the operation. Captain Wakeford, with great steadiness, kept his coy under perfect control and crossed the start line. Here he was wounded in both arms and the face but continued to lead his men up the hill. Halfway up his coy came under heavy Spandau fire. In spite of his wounds he at once organised and personally led a force to deal with and knock out this opposition, so his coy might get on. By this time the Coy was being heavily mortared and Captain Wakeford was wounded again - this time in both legs. Despite these numerous serious wounds nothing would induce this officer to give up. Knowing his objective and determined at all costs to reach it, he still went on and not until he had reached it, organised and consolidated what was left of his Coy and reported to his Co did he submit to any personal attention. Then he had to lie out for 7 hours before stretcher bears could reach him, during which period he maintained his unwavering high spirit and raised the spirits of all the wounded men around him. As an example of utter selfless devotion to duty, magnificent leadership, relentless determination and unflinching courage, this officers' action cannot be surpassed. No man could have done more and his complete disregard of his own serious and manifold injuries, in his determination to carry out his orders to the letter proved this officer to be an example of the finest qualities expected in a British Solider'. In the post-war years, Wakeford became a Judge. The original medals are held by the Worshipful Company of Haberdasher in London. Please note the photographs just give an overview of what is with the group. Copy Victoria Cross engraved on the reverse Original 1953 Coronation medal certificate Original Mentioned in Despatches recommendation Several swimming and sports certificates 4 post was family photograph albums A large number of congratulatory letters on his award of the VC 15 post-war Letters to his mother Wartime letter to his mother Recipients dog tags Numerous photographs of his time at Oxford and involvement with the boat race. Numerous Photographs of his time as a judge Photographs of his investiture of the VC by George 6th Numerous post war VC & GC association items.