thanks again for your help
Helen
Full Version: Lt Richard Sandford VC and Lieut.-Cdr Francis Sandford
I'm looking for any information on 2 of my great uncles who where involved with the Raid on Zeebrugge 1918, Richard was in command of the Submarine C3 and his brother Francis was in the picket boat that picked Richard and his crew up after the raid. I'm trying to research our family history and any help would be most gratefully recieved
thanks again for your help
Helen
thanks again for your help
Helen
From memory, the account in the (fictional) "Sixty minutes for St George" by Alexander Fullarton is supposed to be reasonably accurate - and I recall a chapter title "Well done Uncle Baldy" about Lt R Stanford. Possibly from Captains of War: They Fought Beneath the Sea by Edwyn Gray but it's not one I own (it was a library book).
I think C3's epic is fairly well documented - I'd be pleased to hear what you find out about him. Again, from memory, he survived the operation only to succumb to influenza shortly thereafter.
I think C3's epic is fairly well documented - I'd be pleased to hear what you find out about him. Again, from memory, he survived the operation only to succumb to influenza shortly thereafter.
Here is the entry for Lieut Richard Sandford from the VC website:
Lieutenant Richard Douglas SANDFORD
On the Royal Naval side of the assault, another VC was awarded for heroism to Lieutenant Richard Douglas SANDFORD who was in command of HM Submarine C3. He was born in Exmouth, Devon on the 11 May1891 and died, aged 27, on the 23 November 1918.
His Memorials are at Eston Cemetery, Yorkshire and Exeter Cathedral.
Apart from the Victoria Cross he was also the holder of the Legion d'Honneur (Belgium.)
His VC was Gazetted on 23 July 1918
On the 22 and 23 of April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant Sandford skilfully placed his vessel, HM Submarine C3, between the piles of the viaduct which connected the Mole with the shore. After laying his fuse, she was abandoned and left to blow up the viaduct. He rejected the choice of using the gyro-steering that would have allowed his crew and himself to abandon the Submarine at a comfortable distance. Instead he preferred to ensure that the purpose of the mission was achieved successfully.
Lieutenant Richard Douglas SANDFORD
On the Royal Naval side of the assault, another VC was awarded for heroism to Lieutenant Richard Douglas SANDFORD who was in command of HM Submarine C3. He was born in Exmouth, Devon on the 11 May1891 and died, aged 27, on the 23 November 1918.
His Memorials are at Eston Cemetery, Yorkshire and Exeter Cathedral.
Apart from the Victoria Cross he was also the holder of the Legion d'Honneur (Belgium.)
His VC was Gazetted on 23 July 1918
On the 22 and 23 of April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant Sandford skilfully placed his vessel, HM Submarine C3, between the piles of the viaduct which connected the Mole with the shore. After laying his fuse, she was abandoned and left to blow up the viaduct. He rejected the choice of using the gyro-steering that would have allowed his crew and himself to abandon the Submarine at a comfortable distance. Instead he preferred to ensure that the purpose of the mission was achieved successfully.
& some more info on his life & death:
Richard Douglas Sandford was born on the 11th May 1891 to the Venerable Ernest Grey and Gabriel (née Poole) Sandford, 15, The Beacon, Exmouth, Devon. His father was Archdeacon of Exeter.
Richard attended Clifton College; from there he joined the Royal Navy and went to HMS Britannia. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 30th August 1913 and transferred to submarines in 1914 (February). He served as a submariner until his death, seven months later, from typhoid fever, in Cleveland Hospital, Grangetown in Yorkshire, on 23rd November 1918. He was buried in the nearby Exton Cemetery. On his death, his family received a multitude of letters; from people all over the country, expressing their sympathy at the passing of a hero.
Richard Douglas Sandford was born on the 11th May 1891 to the Venerable Ernest Grey and Gabriel (née Poole) Sandford, 15, The Beacon, Exmouth, Devon. His father was Archdeacon of Exeter.
Richard attended Clifton College; from there he joined the Royal Navy and went to HMS Britannia. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 30th August 1913 and transferred to submarines in 1914 (February). He served as a submariner until his death, seven months later, from typhoid fever, in Cleveland Hospital, Grangetown in Yorkshire, on 23rd November 1918. He was buried in the nearby Exton Cemetery. On his death, his family received a multitude of letters; from people all over the country, expressing their sympathy at the passing of a hero.
& more detail on the Zeebrugge action & both Richard & Francis Sandford:
THE CREW OF H.M SUBMARINE C3
Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford.
The destruction of the viaduct at Zeebrugge was essential because it carried a railway line that could bring supplies and reinforcements to the Mole. At first the idea ,of Vice-Admiral Roger Keyes, was to use raft of explosives secured to the viaduct. He changed his mind and decided on two old submarines the C1 and C3. They would be manned by crews who were bachelors and all would be volunteers.
The submarines, to enable them to be directed to the target without danger to the crew, were fitted with a gyroscopic steering device. This would enable them to put the vessel on a set path and then abandon it safely.
They were towed to the area and then they would make their own way to the designated point. Unfortunately the C1, commanded by Lieutenant Aubrey C. Newbold, suffered a malfunction and was unable to participate any further.
The C3, under Lieutenant R.D. Sandford was able to undertake the allotted task. She had approached under a smoke-screen, but on her emergence from its cover she was soon illuminated by star-shells. Picked up by searchlights, she was a sitting duck to the enemy guns, but for some reason they never fired on her.
Lieutenant Sandford decided against using the gyro-steering, opting instead for manual operation. The crew came up on deck for an easy get away and awaited the order to go. The C3 hit the viaduct at just under 10 knots which caused her force the boat half way through the other side, an excellent position for the demolition job she was there to do. It was about 12.15 am. Sandford ordered the men into the skiff and set the explosives fuses for a 12 minute delay..
Unfortunately, the engine on the skiff wouldn't start, so they set out to paddle their way clear. It was then that the enemy came alive and began firing at them as they made their escape. Sanford and two of his men were hit but they rowed quickly to avoid being killed by their own work.
They had managed to get 300 yards away by the time the C3 went up. The explosion so loud that anyone who took part in that operation, on both sides, would remember it for the rest of their lives. It created a gap of over 100 feet in the viaduct ensuring that the job was done to plan.
By coincidence Lieutenant Sandford and his crew were picked up by a picket boat commanded by his brother, Lieutenant Francis Sandford. From this boat they were transferred to HMS Phoebe
Lieutenant Sandford, and the others of the crew, were decorated for this bravery.
Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford RN was awarded with the Victoria Cross.
His award and Deeds were Gazetted on 23 July 1918. It reads:
This officer was in command of Submarine C3, and most skilfully placed that vessel in between the piles of the viaduct before lighting his fuse and abandoning her. He eagerly under-took hazardous enterprise, although well aware (as were all his crew) that if the means of rescue failed and he or any of his crew were in the water at the moment of explosion, they would be killed outright by the force of such explosion. Yet Lieutenant Sandford disdained to use the gyro steering, which would have enabled him and his crew to abandon the submarine at a safe distance, and preferred to make sure, as far as was humanly possible, of the accomplishment of his duty.
THE CREW OF H.M SUBMARINE C3
Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford.
The destruction of the viaduct at Zeebrugge was essential because it carried a railway line that could bring supplies and reinforcements to the Mole. At first the idea ,of Vice-Admiral Roger Keyes, was to use raft of explosives secured to the viaduct. He changed his mind and decided on two old submarines the C1 and C3. They would be manned by crews who were bachelors and all would be volunteers.
The submarines, to enable them to be directed to the target without danger to the crew, were fitted with a gyroscopic steering device. This would enable them to put the vessel on a set path and then abandon it safely.
They were towed to the area and then they would make their own way to the designated point. Unfortunately the C1, commanded by Lieutenant Aubrey C. Newbold, suffered a malfunction and was unable to participate any further.
The C3, under Lieutenant R.D. Sandford was able to undertake the allotted task. She had approached under a smoke-screen, but on her emergence from its cover she was soon illuminated by star-shells. Picked up by searchlights, she was a sitting duck to the enemy guns, but for some reason they never fired on her.
Lieutenant Sandford decided against using the gyro-steering, opting instead for manual operation. The crew came up on deck for an easy get away and awaited the order to go. The C3 hit the viaduct at just under 10 knots which caused her force the boat half way through the other side, an excellent position for the demolition job she was there to do. It was about 12.15 am. Sandford ordered the men into the skiff and set the explosives fuses for a 12 minute delay..
Unfortunately, the engine on the skiff wouldn't start, so they set out to paddle their way clear. It was then that the enemy came alive and began firing at them as they made their escape. Sanford and two of his men were hit but they rowed quickly to avoid being killed by their own work.
They had managed to get 300 yards away by the time the C3 went up. The explosion so loud that anyone who took part in that operation, on both sides, would remember it for the rest of their lives. It created a gap of over 100 feet in the viaduct ensuring that the job was done to plan.
By coincidence Lieutenant Sandford and his crew were picked up by a picket boat commanded by his brother, Lieutenant Francis Sandford. From this boat they were transferred to HMS Phoebe
Lieutenant Sandford, and the others of the crew, were decorated for this bravery.
Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford RN was awarded with the Victoria Cross.
His award and Deeds were Gazetted on 23 July 1918. It reads:
This officer was in command of Submarine C3, and most skilfully placed that vessel in between the piles of the viaduct before lighting his fuse and abandoning her. He eagerly under-took hazardous enterprise, although well aware (as were all his crew) that if the means of rescue failed and he or any of his crew were in the water at the moment of explosion, they would be killed outright by the force of such explosion. Yet Lieutenant Sandford disdained to use the gyro steering, which would have enabled him and his crew to abandon the submarine at a safe distance, and preferred to make sure, as far as was humanly possible, of the accomplishment of his duty.
& to complete the story of awards to Sub C-3 commanded by Lieut Richard Sandford VC, each member of the 4 man crew was awarded the CGM (Conspicuous Gallantry medal):
The Following Crew Members were all awarded the
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. (CGM)
Petty Officer Walter Harner
Engine-Room Artificer Allan Gordon Roxburgh,
Leading Seaman William Gladstone Cleaver
Stoker 1st Class Henry Cullis Bindall
Their Awards and deeds were Gazetted on 23rd July 1918. It stated:
The ratings mentioned above were members of the crew of Submarine C3 which was skilfully placed between the piles of the Zeebrugge Mole viaduct and there blown up, the fuse being lighted before the submarine was abandoned. They volunteered for, and under the command of an officer, eagerly undertook this hazardous enterprise, although they were well aware that if the means of rescue failed, and that if any of them were in the water at the time of the explosion, they would be killed outright.
The Following Crew Members were all awarded the
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. (CGM)
Petty Officer Walter Harner
Engine-Room Artificer Allan Gordon Roxburgh,
Leading Seaman William Gladstone Cleaver
Stoker 1st Class Henry Cullis Bindall
Their Awards and deeds were Gazetted on 23rd July 1918. It stated:
The ratings mentioned above were members of the crew of Submarine C3 which was skilfully placed between the piles of the Zeebrugge Mole viaduct and there blown up, the fuse being lighted before the submarine was abandoned. They volunteered for, and under the command of an officer, eagerly undertook this hazardous enterprise, although they were well aware that if the means of rescue failed, and that if any of them were in the water at the time of the explosion, they would be killed outright.
Helen,
Here are some pics, including Lt Sandford. I am sure you can find plenty similar in books in
your library. Mine here are from the publication 'The Great War - I Was There'.
Ian
Here are some pics, including Lt Sandford. I am sure you can find plenty similar in books in
your library. Mine here are from the publication 'The Great War - I Was There'.
Ian
Helen
The following website focuses on Albert McKenzie VC but is a good source of information about the Zeebrugge raid generally.
http://www.mckenzie.uk.com/zeebrugge/index.htm
Blowing the viaduct failed in one respect: there was a German Seaplane squadron (Marinejagdstaffel) based on the harbour mole, commanded by ace Friedrich Christenson. However, anticipating such an attack, he saw to it that the seaplanes were kept on railway trucks attached to an engine permanently kept in steam: so as soon as the attack started they were on the move and cleared the viaduct well before C3 exploded.
Do you know anything about Francis Sandford's later life and when/how he died?
Adrian
The following website focuses on Albert McKenzie VC but is a good source of information about the Zeebrugge raid generally.
http://www.mckenzie.uk.com/zeebrugge/index.htm
Blowing the viaduct failed in one respect: there was a German Seaplane squadron (Marinejagdstaffel) based on the harbour mole, commanded by ace Friedrich Christenson. However, anticipating such an attack, he saw to it that the seaplanes were kept on railway trucks attached to an engine permanently kept in steam: so as soon as the attack started they were on the move and cleared the viaduct well before C3 exploded.
Do you know anything about Francis Sandford's later life and when/how he died?
Adrian
Hello
A frequently omitted tidbit is that submarine C 1 was towed towards Zeebrugge by destroyer TRIDENT and submarine C 3 was towed by destroyer MANSFIELD. However, En route to Zeebrugge C 1's hawser parted and she was taken back to Dover.
C 3's role is well documented.
All best
don
A frequently omitted tidbit is that submarine C 1 was towed towards Zeebrugge by destroyer TRIDENT and submarine C 3 was towed by destroyer MANSFIELD. However, En route to Zeebrugge C 1's hawser parted and she was taken back to Dover.
C 3's role is well documented.
All best
don
Thanks everyone for your information and pictures its been a great help. The History Channel showed the Zeebrugge Raid on Sky and I saw Richard Sandford on the film, which was a wonderful experience.
Francis Sandford unfortunately died about ten years after the raid in Switzerland, I've still got to research this area. He was however at Gallipoli on the raid at Sed el Behr.
Another of the brothers Brigadier Daniel Sandford served Haile Salassie in the Liberation of Ethopia, thought that might be of interest.
Thanks again
Helen
Francis Sandford unfortunately died about ten years after the raid in Switzerland, I've still got to research this area. He was however at Gallipoli on the raid at Sed el Behr.
Another of the brothers Brigadier Daniel Sandford served Haile Salassie in the Liberation of Ethopia, thought that might be of interest.
Thanks again
Helen
I believe Lt. Sandford was laid to rest by a burial party supplied by HMS Lucia.
HMS Lucia was a submarine depot ship, I don't actually know if he was serving on Lucia at the time or on one of it's subs. Will look out the info in the next couple of days.
HMS Lucia was a submarine depot ship, I don't actually know if he was serving on Lucia at the time or on one of it's subs. Will look out the info in the next couple of days.
Hello
Francis Sandford died on 15 Feb 1926 of illness while serving in the Admiralty.
All best
don
Francis Sandford died on 15 Feb 1926 of illness while serving in the Admiralty.
All best
don
From Naval Whos Who 1917
SANDFORD Lieut F H, took part in the operations in the vicinity of the Dardanelles before the landing of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Gallipoli 25th-26th April 1915. He was specially recommended for his good work in connection with the attacks on the minefields, which he entered on several occasions, including the night of 13th-14th March 1915. He invariably displayed great determination when under fire . Lieut Sandford also rendered good service in the demolition of Fort Seddul Bahr. Awarded the DSO for these services (London Gazette 16th August 1915); promoted Lt Com 30th March 1916.
All The Best
Chris
SANDFORD Lieut F H, took part in the operations in the vicinity of the Dardanelles before the landing of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Gallipoli 25th-26th April 1915. He was specially recommended for his good work in connection with the attacks on the minefields, which he entered on several occasions, including the night of 13th-14th March 1915. He invariably displayed great determination when under fire . Lieut Sandford also rendered good service in the demolition of Fort Seddul Bahr. Awarded the DSO for these services (London Gazette 16th August 1915); promoted Lt Com 30th March 1916.
All The Best
Chris
You will perhaps be aware that BBC South west have made a programme about the raid focusing on men from the area who took part. It hasn't, as far as I am aware, been screened yet but was narrated and presented by Daniel Sandford, the BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent, who I presume is related.
Best,
Dominic.walsh@ireland.com
Best,
Dominic.walsh@ireland.com
Hi Dominic,
Thanks for your message, yes recently found out that Daniel Sandford with the Beeb is a cousin, I did hear about the programme through the family grape vine. I think it was broadcast on Feb 6th, but I didn't see it as we live in Shropshire
Thanks again
Helen
Thanks for your message, yes recently found out that Daniel Sandford with the Beeb is a cousin, I did hear about the programme through the family grape vine. I think it was broadcast on Feb 6th, but I didn't see it as we live in Shropshire
Thanks again
Helen
QUOTE (Tiggers @ Feb 16 2006, 08:40 PM) 
Hi Dominic,
Thanks for your message, yes recently found out that Daniel Sandford with the Beeb is a cousin, I did hear about the programme through the family grape vine. I think it was broadcast on Feb 6th, but I didn't see it as we live in Shropshire
Thanks again
Helen
Thanks for your message, yes recently found out that Daniel Sandford with the Beeb is a cousin, I did hear about the programme through the family grape vine. I think it was broadcast on Feb 6th, but I didn't see it as we live in Shropshire
Thanks again
Helen
Dear Helen
QUOTE (TheKingsShips @ Mar 14 2006, 07:10 PM)
Dear Helen
By coincidence (and I came across this forum in a Google search) I have been doing some research on Captain Francis Sandford in recent months. He was a remarkable man and I believe that he would have got to the top of the RN had he lived. He continued to see active service after losing an eye in a minelaying operation in the Dardanelles in 1915. He is practically unique in that he took BA in history at Balliol College in 1919-21 - not a usual thing for a Commander 'in zone' to do. But this did his career no harm as he was promoted in 1926 having served as Executive Officer in HMS REPULSE.
I have some questions for you. He is noted in Who was Who as being the sixth son of Archdeacon Sandford. Did he have a twin brother? There is a William Sandford who seems to have been an exact contemporary in the RN. And how many younger brothers did he have? And how many in all of the family served in the RN?
When I have finished the short article that I am writing on Sandford, I would be delighted to send you a copy.
Best wishes
James Goldrick
Helen,
I now have a copy of the DVD of the BBC programme. I've loaned it out to someone but when I get it back I'd happily lend it to you if you let me have your address.
Regards,
Dominic
I now have a copy of the DVD of the BBC programme. I've loaned it out to someone but when I get it back I'd happily lend it to you if you let me have your address.
Regards,
Dominic
Hi James,
Thanks for your message. I recently found out that Francis died in Wengen, Switzerland from blood poisoning, how or why I've still got to find out. I have a copy of his service records from the National Archives, plus some information about his inventions and the award which he recieved. William Sandford wasn't his brother, he could of been a cousin as the Sandford family is huge!! but I haven't really looked into that yet. Richard Douglas was the only other brother who was in the Navy and he was the younger brother. The other brothers and two sisters were also serving the country in one way or another
Francis was with the Royal Naval Squardon Visit to Australia on HMS Repulse in 1924. I've still have alot to find out but he does sound a very interesting man.
Thanks again
Helen
Thanks for your message. I recently found out that Francis died in Wengen, Switzerland from blood poisoning, how or why I've still got to find out. I have a copy of his service records from the National Archives, plus some information about his inventions and the award which he recieved. William Sandford wasn't his brother, he could of been a cousin as the Sandford family is huge!! but I haven't really looked into that yet. Richard Douglas was the only other brother who was in the Navy and he was the younger brother. The other brothers and two sisters were also serving the country in one way or another
Francis was with the Royal Naval Squardon Visit to Australia on HMS Repulse in 1924. I've still have alot to find out but he does sound a very interesting man.
Thanks again
Helen
Hi James,
Thanks for your message. I recently found out that Francis died in Wengen, Switzerland from blood poisoning, how or why I've still got to find out. I have a copy of his service records from the National Achives, plus some information about his inventions and the award which he recieved. William Sandford wasn't his brother, he could of been a cousin as the Sandford family is huge!! but I haven't really looked into that yet. Richard Douglas was the only other brother who was in the Navy and he was the younger brother. The other brothers and two sisters were also serving the country in one way or another
Francis was with the Royal Naval Squardon Visit to Australia on HMS Repulse in 1924. I've still have alot to find out but he does sound a very interesting man.
Thanks again
Helen
Thanks for your message. I recently found out that Francis died in Wengen, Switzerland from blood poisoning, how or why I've still got to find out. I have a copy of his service records from the National Achives, plus some information about his inventions and the award which he recieved. William Sandford wasn't his brother, he could of been a cousin as the Sandford family is huge!! but I haven't really looked into that yet. Richard Douglas was the only other brother who was in the Navy and he was the younger brother. The other brothers and two sisters were also serving the country in one way or another
Francis was with the Royal Naval Squardon Visit to Australia on HMS Repulse in 1924. I've still have alot to find out but he does sound a very interesting man.
Thanks again
Helen
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