Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant J. J. O’Toole, Irish Guards, who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the defence against the storming attacks on the British Trenches at the Yser on 28 October 1914, and was killed in a week later on 4 November 1914

1914 Star, with clasp (1761 Sjt. J. J. O’Toole. Ir: Gds.); British War and Victory Medals (1761 Sjt. J. J. O’Toole. Ir. Gds.) good very fine (3) £400-£500

John Joseph O’Toole was born in Ship Street Army Barracks, Dublin, in 1885, the son of Francis O’Toole, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Irish Guards, and attested for the Irish Guards at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 14 August 1903. Promoted Corporal in 1905, Sergeant in 1907, and Colour-Sergeant in 1910, he served during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 August 1914:
‘As a colour-sergeant in the Guards, he took part in the terrific struggle at Mons, the actions of the “Great Retreat”, and the battle of the Marne and the Aisne. On the 28th October last [1914], for his conduct during the defence against the storming attacks on the British trenches on the Yser, he was Mentioned in Despatches for “distinguished bravery in the field”, and recommended for the Victoria Cross.’ (Newcastle Daily Journal, 28 January 1915 refers).

O’Toole was killed in action a week later, on 4 November 1914. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Sold with a large quantity of copied research.