Reginald Henry (“Harry”) Ford was born in 1896, in Shardlow, Derbyshire, the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Ford. He was a Jeweller’s apprentice, according to the 1911 census, although he was a lace draughtsman immediately prior to joining the Sherwood Foresters. 

Reginald enlisted in Derby and served during the Great War of 1914-18. He joined as part of the 2/5th Battalion of The Sherwood Foresters, that were formed on the 16th of October 1914. The Battalion trained in Luton and later Watford in 1915, in preparation for going to France. 

However, Reginald first served with the 2/5th Battalion in Dublin, due to the Easter Rising of 1916. He did not arrive in France until 1917. 

Reginald would serve in France with exemplary gallantry and would be awarded with not just the Military Medal (M.M) but also the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M)., likely whilst serving with the 2/5th Battalion. 

Both his M.M and D.C.M were published in the London Gazette, on the 30th of October 1918 and on the 28th of January 1918, respectively.  

Reginald’s M.M is described thusly: ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on Otto Farm near Vlamertinghe, near Ypres, Belgium, on 26th September 1917’. 

A newspaper cutting (likely from the Derbyshire Mercury) that the museum has in its collection details Reginald’s awarding of the DCM:  

“SHARDLOW SERGEANTS GALLANT CONDUCT 

Sergt. R. Ford, who some time ago won the M.M., has been awarded the D.C.M. for further conspicuous bravery in the last fighting at Kemmel. The following is an extract from the report given by the officer in command: - “A tremendous lot of work came on the shoulders of my N.C. officers. Sergt. Ford, under the hottest machine-gun fire and sniping, crawled out in broad daylight to get in touch with the posts in his left… He handled his men with rare skill and cheerfulness. It was the same at Ypres where he won the M.M. Here… he refused to leave his Lewis gun, although slightly wounded, even to eat or drink, till he was forcibly removed by his platoon commander.” 

However, Reginald did later join the 1/5th Battalion, as he sadly lost his life whilst serving with them near Pontruet, France on the 24th of September 1918. The 5th Battalion History recorded his death:  

“It was 8 am and broad daylight. Sgt Ford and 9 platoon set off at Zero+17, heading straight for Pontruet. Very soon they met with M.G. fire, but Sgt Ford, seeing that the attack on his right was held up, thought the reason was that No9 platoon was not far enough forward, and pressed on. So by means of rushes of a few men at a time, they found themselves at last up against the Boche wire, Sgt Ford calmly got up and rushed forward, hoping to find a gap through which to rush the enemy post - He fell riddled with bullets.” 

Reginald is buried at Bellicourt British Cemetery, VII.L.2., France. His grave bears the personal inscription of “Thy Will Be Done”.