Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce Great War M.C. and Bar, D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Captain J. Driscoll, Royal Fusiliers, late Company Sergeant Major, Royal Irish Rifles

MILITARY CROSS, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, reverse of the cross inscribed (Lieut., August 1917), reverse of the bar inscribed (September 1918); DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, G.V.R. (5420 C.S. Mjr. l/R Ir. Rif.); QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5420 Pte., R. I. Rif.); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (Pte. Rl. Irish Rifles); 1914 MONS STAR (Sjt., 1/ R. Ir. Rif.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS, M.I.D. (Capt.); ARMY L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (CS. Mjr., R. Ir. Rif.) contact marks, especially to the Boer War pair, but generally very fine or better (8)

D.C.M., London Gazette, 11 March 1916: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all his officers had been killed or wounded, he exhibited conspicuous courage and ability in leading his company out of action and throughout the operations invariably showed the greatest devotion to duty.' For the action at Rouge Bancs.

M.C., London Gazette, 26 September 1917: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a raid on enemy trenches he was in charge of parties detailed for working up the enemy's communication trenches, and for mopping up the second line. He personally blew up an enemy mortar whilst a second one was blown up by one of his N.C.O's, and after inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, he withdrew his party and brought them back with only slight casualties.'

The war diary of the 23rd R. Fus. states 'the award of the M.C. was notified by the Adjutant on the 27/31 Aug 1917 at Oblingham for gallant conduct whilst leading a raid on enemy trenches opposite Cambrin left sub-sector on the 20 July 1917.' The raid is described in the diary as follows: 'At 10.30 pm a raiding party consisting of 2 officers and almost about 100 O/R's crossed to the enemy's front and support lines between about A28 C98. 12 and A28 & C70.34 with the object of capturing these two lines, inflicting loss on the enemy and securing prisoners and identity. The raid was preceded by a hurricane barrage by the Artillery, stokes mortars, m/guns and was accompanied by the discharge of oil projectors by No. 0 Special Co., R.E. Very few enemy were found in either the front or support lines but small parties were found in dug-outs, and were bombed. Five of the enemy were also bayoneted in a communication trench. The main garrison of the line had apparently retired and no prisoners were taken. Our casualties during the raid were 2 killed, 15 wounded, 5 wounded and missing.'

Bar to M.C., London Gazette, 2 April 1919 (details 10 December 1919): 'On 27th September 1918 in front of the spur running south west from Bourlon Wood he displayed marked gallantry and able leadership. He rallied men of all units and companies under him and personally at the head of 40 men attacked and captured a strong enemy machine gun position, thus securing the objective. The following day, when ordered to attack a very strongly held ridge in the face of very hostile frontal and enfilade fire, he again showed great ability to command.'

The 23rd R. Fus. remained in Germany after the war as part of the Rhine garrison up until 19 November 1919.