Lt Richard Sandford VC RN
(1891-1918)

15 The Beacon. Home of Lt Richard Sandford VC RN, who was awarded the VC for conspicuous bravery. Commander of submarine C3 on the St George’s Day raid on Zeebrugge, 23/24th April 1918. He and his crew deliberately ran this explosive filled vessel aground where it later exploded, breaching the viaduct. He was wounded escaping. He died from typhoid 23rd November 1918, aged 27.

15 The Beacon, Exmouth, United Kingdom where they lived

Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford VC, Royal Navy Was born near here. Awarded the VC for his actions in command of HM Submarine C.3 during the hazardous Zeebrugge Raid on the 22nd April 1918. He skilfully placed his vessel in between the piles of the viaduct before lighting the fuse and abandoning her, aware that if they were not rescued they would all be killed by the force of the explosion.

15 Cathedral Close, Exeter, United Kingdom where they was born (1891)