Henry George Crandon born Wells Somerset, 12 February 1874.
Henry’s distinguished military career began in 1893 when he enlisted in “A” Squadron 18th Princess of Wales Own Hussars. He served in India 1894-1898. When the Boer uprising began Henry was stationed at Ladysmith South Africa where he took part in the siege until the town was relieved by General Buller in 1900. After British forces secured Pretoria on 5th June 1900 the end of the campaign was in sight although Boer commando units persisted in badgering the British patrols.
Henry was a member of one of these patrols when he gained his coveted VC.
Reported in the London Gazette 18 October 1901:
“On the 4th July 1901, Private Crandon was reconnoitring with a companion in hostile country at Springbok Laagte, near Ermelo, East of Pretoria, when a party of about forty Boer commandoes opened fire on them at one hundred yards. He and his companion, Private Berry, turned to report back to their unit, but Private Berry was hit in the hand and shoulder and his horse was injured as it fell to the ground. Private Crandon rode back, and with enemy bullets whizzing all around him he placed the wounded man on his own horse and led them away on foot for about a thousand yards until they were out of range. He then returned the fire until the main body arrived to assist them."
The Victoria Cross was presented to Henry by Lord Kitchener at Pretoria on 8 June 1902, at this time he received a promotion to Corporal.
Upon discharge from military service Henry settled in Swinton. On 13 July 1905 he was part of the Guard of Honour when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra visited Salford and presented before the couple of the royal carriage when they unveiled the Boer Memorial, Oldfield Road, Salford.
Henry entered WWI on 17 February 1915 in France, where he was wounded in his left foot during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. After a period of recuperation he served a further two years in the Balkans, Salonica, Egypt and Palestine, eventually discharging in 1918.
Henry Crandon VC died peacefully aged 78 on 2 January 1953 and buried with full military honours at Swinton Cemetery.