Patrick Joseph Bugden, VC

Patrick Joseph Bugden, VC (17 March 1897 – 28 September 1917) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He served during the First World War in the 31st Battalion, Australian Imperial Force and was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood during which he displayed the bravery for which he was posthumously awarded the VC.

Citation:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, on two occasions, 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. Source: The London Gazette, 23 November 1917

Biographies:

• Wikipedia contributors, 'Patrick Bugden', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
• N. S. Foldi, 'Bugden, Patrick Joseph (1897–1917)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

BUGDEN, PATRICK

• Rank: Private
• Service No: 3774
• Date of Death: 28/09/1917
• Age: 20
• Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry, A.I.F. 31st Bn
• Awards: V C Grave Reference: VIII. C. 5.
• Cemetery: HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY
• Additional Information: Son of Thomas and Annie Bugden, of "Hotel Wells," Tweed Heads, New South Wales. Born at Gundurimba, New South Wales.

Links:

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• The AIF Project