259886 Sgt. James Graham MM.British Army 16th/5th Lancers Royal Armoured Corps from:Fordham, Essex (d.24th Apr 1943) James Bugg was the son of Harry Bugg and Maud Norfolk and was born in Aldham on 6th March 1915. James lived in Church Road Fordham.
He died in 1943, but his records are listed under the name of James Graham, as he had changed his surname in 1940. This information is confirmed by an entry in the London Gazette on the 5th April 1940. It states: ‘I, James Bugg of Church Road Fordham Essex, a member of H.M. Forces hereby give notice that I intend after the expiration of 21 days from the date of publication of this notice to assume the surname of Graham in lieu of my present surname of Bugg.’
A few weeks before his death on 24th April, Sergeant Graham was awarded the Military Medal. His citation reads:
On the 9th April 1943 at Fondouk, this Serjeant drove his tank alongside his Troop Leaders which had been knocked out and set fire and burning fiercely. Although he knew he was only 300 yards from an Anti Tank position he assisted his troop leader to the ground and then jumped onto the tank and succeeded in opening the driver’s door and pulled the driver to safety who was unconscious and on fire. He then went back to the tank, in which the ammunition was now exploding and endeavoured to release the co-driver and only gave up when he discovered the door was locked on the inside. His example of courage was an inspiration to all.
James was killed on 24th April 1943 at Debal Kourine. He is remembered at Massicault War Cemetery in Tunisia and on the Fordham War memorial in Essex.
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