Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30400, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30400/supplements/12329. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 3774 Private Patrick Bugden, late Australian Imperial Force. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, during the period 26th/28th September 1917 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, when our advance was temporarily held up by strongly-defended “pill-boxes.” Private Bugden, in the face of devastating fire from machine-guns, gallantly led small parties to attack these strong points and, successfully silencing the machine-guns with bombs, captured the garrison at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, when a corporal, who had become detached from his company, had been captured and was being taken to the rear by the enemy, Private Bugden, single-handed, rushed to the rescue of his comrade, shot one enemy and bayonetted the remaining two, thus releasing the Corporal. On five occasions he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine-gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger. Always foremost in volunteering for any dangerous mission, it was during the execution of one of these missions that this gallant soldier was killed.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 30400, VICTORIA CROSS,: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30400/supplements/12329. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 3774 Private Patrick Bugden, late Australian Imperial Force. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, during the period 26th/28th September 1917 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, when our advance was temporarily held up by strongly-defended “pill-boxes.” Private Bugden, in the face of devastating fire from machine-guns, gallantly led small parties to attack these strong points and, successfully silencing the machine-guns with bombs, captured the garrison at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, when a corporal, who had become detached from his company, had been captured and was being taken to the rear by the enemy, Private Bugden, single-handed, rushed to the rescue of his comrade, shot one enemy and bayonetted the remaining two, thus releasing the Corporal. On five occasions he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine-gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger. Always foremost in volunteering for any dangerous mission, it was during the execution of one of these missions that this gallant soldier was killed.