Capt Ronnie Bradley to sell medals and go on holiday of a lifetime

Capt Ronnie Bradley, now 66, of Stamford Bridge, survived grenade attacks after offering himself as a bait in dangerous operations to ambush terrorists in Aden in 1967.

He had been on his honeymoon when he had got the call to return to his regiment and leave for Aden, where Britain was combating Arab insurgency.

On his return, the Queen presented him with the Military Medal and a Major General wrote to him to praise the way he led his section without thought for his own safety.

Now the medal is to be auctioned alongside others awarded to Capt Bradley by specialist auctioneers Chris Clubley & Co, of Market Weighton.

Spokesman Steve Marsdin said there was considerable interest in the Military Medal because it was quite rare. “It is the most valuable collectable we have ever auctioned in 25 years of business,” he said.

“It is being sold as part of a group belonging to Capt Bradley and we have valued it at £10,000 to £15,000, but it could exceed that.

“The medals are in excellent condition and are complete with background newspaper cuttings, photos, letters from his commanding officers and an army recruitment poster he featured on.”

Capt Bradley said he was not sentimental about selling his Military Medal. “I will have a copy made but it brings back many sad and poignant memories also,” he said.

He said he wanted to use the money raised to take his wife Maureen on a “grand tour” of Australia and New Zealand to celebrate their golden wedding in a couple of years’ time.

“I have discussed it with my family and they are only too pleased that I use the money for an adventure of a lifetime. The cost of keeping the medal secure is also a constant worry.”

• The medals will be sold on Saturday, February 1, at Chris Clubley’s auction venue at Melbourne Village Hall. The sale starts at 1pm, although the medals will not be sold before 3pm.