Mexborough and Swinton Times August 11, 1917
Military Medal Winner
Public Presentation to a Wombwell Soldier
An enormous crowd of about 4000 persons assembled in front of the Town Hall, on Sunday afternoon, to witness presentation of the Military Medal, which had been forwarded to the Town Hall from the Northern Command, with the request of it probably presented to private Bedford, of the 13th York and Lancasters.
This gallant young fellow enlisted in September 1914 in the first Barnsley battalion, and has seen service in Egypt. He has also been through all the severe fighting in France since a memorable July 1 advance, and although he has acted in the dangerous work of stretcher bearer, he has never received a scratch.
The Military Medal was awarded to Private Bedford for his gallantry and risk rescuing seven men who hadbeen gassed through the blowing up of a mine at Wailley. He went down for them, and safely brought the whole seven out.
Since this gallant action he has been recommended for a Bar to the medal for bringing wounded men in under heavy fire at Oppy Wood.
The presentation ceremony, which took place at on the Town Hall steps, will long live in the memory of the huge concourse of spectators who witnessed it. The Urban District Council was represented by the chairman, Capt A.E. Allott, the Town Clerk, Lt P M Walker and councillors, John Robinson and James Nunn. A detachment of the 1st W.R.V. gave a military aspect to the occasion, whilst the bands of the Boy Scouts, first W R V, and Mount Tabor life-saving brigade were also present.
Capt A.E.Alex made the presentation and congratulated Private Bedford upon his gallantry, after which Councillor John Robinson supported in the huge crowds give three cheers for the gallant young soldier.
After Private Bernard Bedford had modestly thanked all concerned, in a neat little speech in which he said he had only done what he always would do, his duty, a procession was formed and edited by the bands, and escorted by the “C” company of the first of your V, this young hero was taken to his home at 198 Barnsley Rd, the old route to which was lined with enthusiastic crowds.
And so ended a ceremony which will always be a remembered day in the town.