World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant in the Royal British Navy. During a raid at the Zeebrugge Port, Belgium, on April 22 to 23, 1918, Lieutenant Sandford was in command of the Submarine HMS C3 that was part of task force to destroy German ship support stations. Marines and sailors landed, stormed the enemy defenses, while the ships HMS Thetis, Intrepid and Iphignia were scuttled along with the submarine C3. Lieutenant Sandford steered into position his submarine carrying five tons of amatol without gyro steering, placing his ship correctly toward a targeted dock. He had to light the fuse before abandoning ship with his five crew mates in a skiff. He and two of his crew were badly wounded by the explosion but were successful in their mission before they were picked up by HMS Phoebe. For most conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in July, 1918.
World War I Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Lieutenant in the Royal British Navy. During a raid at the Zeebrugge Port, Belgium, on April 22 to 23, 1918, Lieutenant Sandford was in command of the Submarine HMS C3 that was part of task force to destroy German ship support stations. Marines and sailors landed, stormed the enemy defenses, while the ships HMS Thetis, Intrepid and Iphignia were scuttled along with the submarine C3. Lieutenant Sandford steered into position his submarine carrying five tons of amatol without gyro steering, placing his ship correctly toward a targeted dock. He had to light the fuse before abandoning ship with his five crew mates in a skiff. He and two of his crew were badly wounded by the explosion but were successful in their mission before they were picked up by HMS Phoebe. For most conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal in July, 1918.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
LIEUTENANT RICHARD DOUGLAS SANDFORD V.C. R.N.
BORN AT EXETER 11 MAY 1891 DIED 23 NOVEMBER 1918
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