Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

81 Base Area, Headquarters, British Forces in Greece (BFG), British Army

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

Citation:
"in recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, The Western Desert, The Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk) during the period February, 1941, to July, 1941."
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"This Officer was detailed to remain behind with 24 Casualty Clearing Station, to await capture by the enemy, and performed very good service. In addition he constituted himself liaison officer between this C.C.S. and the Ambulance Trains sent up as often as possible to points varying between 5 and 20 miles from this C.C.S. Then the troops had withdrawn from the C.C.S. area, communication with the C.C.S. ceaed, but Lieut. HERFORD, with the aid of a motor-cycle, succeeded in making contact with each Ambulance Train as it arrived, so facilitating evacuation of casualties from 24 Casualty Clearing Station that it was able to withdraw before capture, having evacuated all its casualties."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

200th Field Ambulance, Headquarters, 231st Infantry Brigade, XXX Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

November 18th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

"This Officer was in command of the A.D.S. working with units of the Brigade Group. Although his duties did not compel him to do so, this officer during the Sicilian campaign was constantly among the forward troops tending to the wounded.

At AGIRA on 28th an 29th July, and again at REGALDOTO on 1st Aug., the work carried out by this officer, at times under heavy fire, was magnificent. His presence acted liked a to tonic to the men and the prompt treatment accorded by him to wounded must have saved many lives."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

200th Field Ambulance, Headquarters, 231st Infantry Brigade, XXX Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Ferdy

"On the 8th September, 1943 during the assault on PORTO di S. VENERE (ITALY) an L.S.T. which had been shelled during the approach and set on fire arrived on the beach. Major HERFORD led a stretcher party to the beach and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of casualties from this L.S.T. which was still under well aimed shell and mortar fire from a flank. This officer dressed several casualties which occurred in the L.S.T., during which time it was also dive bombed. Throughout this period the officer carried out his duties calmly and without regard for his personal safety. By his coolness, leadership and courage he was the means of saving many lives."

Second MC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first MC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

163rd Field Ambulance, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 29th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citiation:
"On the 23rd September 1944, 163 Field Ambulance was moved to area VALBURG map ref. 660690 to act as evacuating medical unit for casualties of 1 (British) Airborne Division from the North bank of the River NEDER RIJN in the event of relief of that Division being successfully accomplished. Reports stated there were 2000 (British) casualties in the area North of the river in urgent need of assistance and Medical supplies. The medical personnel of the Division was reduced to 18 officers and 120 other ranks.
It was planned that 163 Field Ambulance would accompany a Force across the river of the night 23rd / 24th September, and would take across medical personnel and stores, but this plan had to be abandoned owing to the non-availability of sufficient craft.
At 1430 hrs, 24th September 1944, Lieutenant-Colonel HERFORD on his own initiative organised a party consisting of one Medical Officer and four Other Ranks and crossed the river to the North bank in a boat loaded with medical equipment. The boat displayed the Red Cross Flag.
Lieutenant-Colonel HERFORD was aware that the North bank was held by the enemy and that all his movements might be under direct observation. On reaching the North bank he ordered his party to remain in cover and he, alone, proceeded forward with a view to making contact with the medical services of the Airborne Division or making arrangements with the enemy for the completion of his mission. Shortly after leaving the bank, he was made prisoner. He requested to be taken to see a senior German officer and after a considerable time his request was granted. The result of his interview was that he was permitted to contact the Head of the German Medical Service in the ARNHEM area and arrange for the organisation of a Hospital for all (British) casualties. This Hospital was established in Barracks near APELDOORN. Into this Hospital 1500 (British) casualties were collected and most of the remaining medical personnel of the 1 (British) Airborne Division were set to work.
Lieutenant-Colonel HERFORD was largely responsible for the organisation of the Hospital and treatment of the casualties. When he discovered it was proposed by the Germans to evacuate the serious cases in ordinary freight wagons he protested in the strongest possible terms and succeeded in ensuring the provision of a properly equipped ambulance train. When all the serious cases had been evacuated from APELDOORN he decided to make his escape. In this he was successful after an arduous and dangerous journey, and he returned to our lines, bringing with him a nominal roll of 1500 (British) casualties remaining in enemy hands. He was, in all, 26 days within the enemy lines.
In carrying out this most dangerous and difficult task Lieutenant-Colonel HERFORD displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety. His unshakeable determination resulted in adequate treatment being afforded to the (British) casualties in enemy hands and their evacuation to enemy hospitals under the best possible conditions.
His conduct all through was up to the best traditions of his Corps."