Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

The area around Duisans was occupied by Commonwealth forces from March 1916, but it was not until February 1917 that the site of this cemetery was selected for the 8th Casualty Clearing Station. The first burials took place in March and from the beginning of April the cemetery grew very quickly, with burials being made from the 8th Casualty Clearing Station (until April 1918), the 19th (until March 1918), and the 41st (until July 1917). Most of the graves relate to the Battles of Arras in 1917, and the trench warfare that followed. From May to August 1918, the cemetery was used by divisions and smaller fighting units for burials from the front line. In the Autumn of 1918 the 23rd, 1st Canadian and 4th Canadian Clearing Stations remained at Duisans for two months, and the 7th was there from November 1918 to November 1920.

There are now 3,207 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated at Duisans British Cemetery. There are also 88 German war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Second Lieutenant James Barker BRADFORD - "C" Coy. 18th Bn. Durham Light Infantry

Died 14 May 1917  Age 27

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Military Cross

Personal Inscription: DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI

Citation Military Cross

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He gallantly led his men into the enemy's trench, capturing many prisoners and two machine guns. He himself killed three of the enemy. Later he succeeded in repelling a determined enemy counter attack.”

Hebuterne Sector, 3rd March, 1917.

James was one of four brothers who served; only one, Sir Thomas "Tommie" Andrews Bradford, D.S.O. (1886-1966) survived. All four were born at Carwood House, Witton Park, County Durham.

The other two were both awarded the Victoria Cross, the only pair of brothers to achieve this distinction in WWI.

Two VC's, two MC's and one DSO - is a family record that is unequalled in the Empire.