Patrick Joseph Bugden

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 was approximately 20 years old and a private in the 31st Bn. (Q. and V.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when he displayed the bravery for which he was posthumously awarded the VC.

During the period 26 September to 28 September 1917 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, an advance was held up by strongly defended pillboxes. Private Bugden, despite devastating machine-gun fire, twice led small parties against these strong points and, successfully silencing the guns, captured the enemy at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, he rescued a corporal from capture, when, single-handed he rushed up, shot one of the enemy and bayoneted the other two. On five occasions he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine-gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger. He was killed during one of these missions.

He was reburied after the war at Hooge Crater Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.

A memorial to his service stands near a Bakery at Alstonville, NSW. The ANZAC day march starts here.

References

*Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*VCs of the First World War - Passchendaele 1917 (Stephen Snelling, 1998)
* [http://www.australiansatwar.gov.au/stories/stories.asp?war=W1&id=239 Australians at War — Paddy Bugden won VC for his bravery]