Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, Distinguished Conduct Medal, (GV). (Sjt. J. Afford. 1/Bedf: R.), 1914 Star, with clasp (Pte. 2/Bedf: R.), British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (W.O.Cl.II. J. Afford. Bedf. R.), War Medal
J. Afford
M.C. L.G. 22/10/1917, (Awarded for Ypres, September, 1917)
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in successfully carrying out the task allotted to his company of capturing a house under heavy fire’
D.C.M. L.G. 22/09/1916, (Awarded for Longeval , July 1916
‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations. When his Company Commander was brought in wounded, he carried him back under heavy shell and machine gun fire. Believing that all his company officers had become casualties he took charge, and sent in a good report of the situation though suffering from shock after being wounded and buried.’
Mentioned in Despatches, L.G 22/09/1916 for Morval.
Born at Offord D’Arcy, Huntingdonshire on 18 April 1888, enlisted in 1911 in the Bedfordshire Regiment .
The Regiment landed at Zeebrugge in October to help defend Antwerp. Afford himself entered the war in Flanders on 6 October 1914, then seeing heavy action at the First Battle of Ypres.
Became Sergeant in 1916, he was commissioned for services in the field on 3 February 1917 and posted to the 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment.
They saw heavy fighting during the German Spring Offensive in March 1918 and suffered such heavy losses that they were reduced to a Cadre in May of that year. The Battalion for service in North Russia from 1919-1920. In the 1921 Census was stationed with 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment in Ireland where they saw action in the Irish War of Independence.
On the outbreak of the Second World War he returned to service with the rank of Captain, joining the newly formed Reconnaissance Corps. Afford died at Edinburgh on 16 February 1942. He is buried at Offord D’Arcy Cemetery, Huntingdonshire.
Interestingly his B.W.M. & Victory were awarded in his senior NCO rank
