Photo 1: Headshot of Nelson Bradshaw in uniform Photo 2: Nelson Bradshaw wearing the spurs (which Sue Hinde has in a box) and the bandolier of a cavalryman. The bandolier, or ammunition pouches, is worn over a coat. Photo 3: Two unknown soldiers standing and two seated ; on the left, H.H.L. Bennett (Herbert Bennett) and on the right, Nelson Bradshaw Spurs (worn during WW1) Cap badge (Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars)
This story was submitted by Sue Hinde regarding her father Trooper Nelson Wykham Bradshaw, who was born on 4 January 1893 at Wykham Mill Farm. He enlisted in the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars at Churn Camp, Blewbury, Berkshire in 1914 aged 21. His older brothers had been in the Yeomanry before the First World War. The QOOH were the fist territorial unit to land in France. Nelson fought with D Squadron, the Banbury Squadron, under the command of Major Valentine Fleming and was close to the latter who was also father of the James Bond author, Ian Fleming. Nelson was near Major Fleming when the Major was killed at Guillemont Farm on the Somme. Much of the time the regiment fought dismounted in the trenches when the static nature of the fighting precluded the cavalry from its usual role. Nelson was gassed in action towards the end of the war, which affected his health for the rest of his life. After his initial recovery in hospital, he was posted to the Curragh in Ireland until demobilisation. Nelson was a farmer who went to war with other farmers, his friends. He organised a Yeomanry lunch every year and they remained very close friends after the battering experience they had gone through.