Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal W. J. McCarthy, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, late King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, wounded and missing in action in N.W. Europe, January 1945

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (5437939 Sgt., KOYLI); Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (5437939 Cpl., K.S.L.I.) service number and rank corrected; U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed, good very fine (3) £260-300

Ex Strong Collection, D.N.W. 18 May 2011.

William John McCarthy was born in Saltash, Cornwall on 14 July 1925. Enlisted as a Boy Soldier on a nine year engagement with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 21 February 1940. Transferred to the Durham Light Infantry in April 1944. Entered Normandy on 8 June 1944 and served in N.W. Europe until 15 July 1944. Returning to that theatre of war with the 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on 1 November 1944, he was wounded in action in January 1945 - with a bullet passing through his left upper arm. McCarthy was reported missing in action on 21 January 1945 but after a short sojourn as a guest of the enemy, was reported as being in allied hands on 26 April 1945, after which he was posted home. He returned to N.W. Europe, January-October 1946 and was then posted to FARELF, May 1947-April 1950. McCarthy was transferred from the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry to the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in January 1948 and was promoted to Acting Sergeant in January 1949 when with the 1st Battalion K.O.Y.L.I. He then served with the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry in the BAOR, January-October 1951. Posted then to Hong Kong in December 1951, he served in Korea with the 1st Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, March-July 1952, arriving back in England in October 1952. McCarthy rejoined as a Private in 17 Para T.A. but was discharged at his own request on 6 September 1960. Additionally awarded the 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star and War Medal.