b. 12/02/1874 Wells, Somerset. d. 02/01/1953 Manchester, Lancashire.
Henry George “Harry” Crandon (1874-1953) was born on 9th February 1874 in Wells, Somerset, the son of William Crandon and Ellen (nee Hewlett). He enlisted with the 18th Hussars in 1893, and the following year was posted to India. He remained in India for the next five years, before his regiment was diverted to South Africa in time for the outbreak of the Second Boer War.
Henry G Crandon VC
Crandon was first involved in the Relief of Ladysmith and saw action in most of the major campaigns of the War, earning the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross and gazetted on 18th October 1901 for his actions on 4th July 1901.
On the 4th July, 1901, at Springbok Laagte, Privates Berry and Crandon were scouting towards a kopje when the Boers suddenly opened fire on them at a range of 100 yards. Private Berry’s horse fell and became disabled, and he was himself shot in the right band and left shoulder. Private Crandon at once rode back under a heavy fire to his assistance, gave up his horse to the wounded man to enable him to reach shelter, and followed him on foot, having to run for 1,100 yards, all the time under fire.
He was presented with his VC by the Commander in Chief, South Africa, Lord Kitchener on 8th June 1902 in Pretoria. After a time out of the Army following the Boer War, he returned to the ranks in October 1914 at the start of the Great War. He rose to the rank of Corporal, and was wounded in the foot at Ypres on 13th May 1915. After recuperating from his wounds, he was sent to the Balkans and was there for 2 years, before moving on to Egypt.
Little is known about the later part of Crandon’s life except that he settled in Greater Manchester. He died on 2nd January 1953, aged 71, at his home, 39 Kingsley Road, Swinton. He was buried in Swinton & Worsley Cemetery in the Church of England Section A. His medals are not publicly held.
LOCATION OF MEDAL NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: SWINTON CEMETERY, MANCHESTER.
COFE SECTION A, GRAVE 3207
Acknowledgement:
Kevin Brazier – Grave Image and Cemetery Map from Swinton Cemetery, Manchester