A Second World War Italian campaign Immediate D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Patrick McDaid, 1st Battalion The London Irish Rifles (Royal Ulster Rifles)

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (6978255 A-W.O.Cl.2. P. McDaid, R.U. Rif.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6978255 Fsr., R. Ir. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (7)

D.C.M. London Gazette 8 February 1945.

‘On the night of 5th September 1944, ‘D’ company, 1/LIR, was strongly counter-attacked after capturing a feature north of IL TRIBBIA. The enemy attack was made in three waves each of a strong platoon strength and pressed home with the utmost determination by fanatics who knew the ground. There followed a hand to hand fight round a house which lasted some one and a half hours. In the fighting the company commander was killed and C.S.M. McDaid had to take over command of the company until another officer could be found. He conducted the fight with the greatest skill and determination keeping a steady control of the situation, yet not sparing himself to move up immediately to deal with any enemy infiltration on the cordon. On several occasions he went forward and dispatched five enemy single handed with his Thompson machine carbine. His coolness and steadiness in a fast and hectic fight was the inspiration of all ranks. After one and a half hours ammunition was low, generally to the last magazine, and C.S.M. McDaid decided to withdraw to the road behind the feature. Cooly giving orders and maintaining covering fire to the last, he successfully achieved the withdrawal and saw to the evacuation of the wounded. On arrival back at Battalion headquarters, he volunteered to go up again with another company and retake the position. C.S.M McDaid’s conduct was of the highset order and the successful withdrawal of the company was largely due to his actions. His courage, resourcefulness and coolness under fire, without thought of personal safety was an inspiration and example to his company.’

The lot is sold with an original copy of the citation and a War Office letter giving instructions to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace, on 23 July 1946, to receive the D.C.M. from the King.