Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant M. A. Farrelly, 28th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in capturing an enemy machine-gun and crew. He was also wounded in action on two separate occasions during the Great War

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5300 Sjt: M. A. Farrelly. 28/Inf: Bn: A.I.F.) generally very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Corporal A. V. Holt) states:

‘During the attack East of Villers Bretonneux near Amiens on the 8th August 1918, these two N.C.O.s rushed a German machine gun which was firing on our troops. They captured it killing six of the crew and taking six prisoners. This act enabled the advance to continue.’

The Blue and White Diamond - The History of the 28th Battalion 1914-1919, by Neville Browning gives the following additional details:

‘Lieutenant J. C. Birt, brandishing his revolver, leapt into an enemy post and forced the surrender of its garrison of twenty enemy troops and two machine guns. The Diggers of 'A' Company, led by Lieutenant J. Hopkins (later wounded), advanced with a home made flag bearing the 28th Battalion colour patch, made from material 'salvaged' from Villers- Bretonneux. (Note: According to my notes, the flag was presented to the War Memorial - Author). Another machine gun nest temporarily held up the advance, until Sergeant M. A. Farrelly and Corporal A. V. Holt attacked the post, killing six of the garrison and capturing six others. The advance was immediately resumed. Privates S. W. Robinson and A. Knowles rushed a third strong point. The two Diggers charged the post with a Lewis gun, inflicted heavy casualties on the garrison and forced the surrender of twenty Germans.'

Matthew Aloysius Farrelly was born in Drogheda, Ireland. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 1 January 1916. Farrelly served with the 28th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from 19 November 1916. He advanced to Corporal in January 1917, and was wounded in the left hand during the same month.

Farrelly served with the 70th Battalion, April - September 1917, before advancing to Sergeant and returning to the 28th Battalion. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during an attack east of Villers Bretonneux, Somme, 8 August 1918. On the latter date the Battalion took 5 German officers and 68 other ranks captive, 4 x 77mm field guns, 3 heavy and 7 light machine guns, and 4 light trench mortars. Farrelly received a severe gunshot wound to his left leg, 28 August 1918.

Farrelly returned to Australia in March 1919, and was discharged, 8 September 1919.