Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The First and Second World War group of eight awarded to Colonel D. W. Daly, 8th Hussars, later Pioneer Corps with whom he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the O.B.E. for distinguished services in North West Europe 1944-45 with First Canadian Army

1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. D. W. Daly. 8. Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. D. W. Daly.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (Lieut. D. W. Daly.) these four mounted as worn; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine or better (8) £260-£300

O.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 21 June 1945: Colonel (temporary) Denis William Daly, Pioneer Corps (Blessington, Eire).
‘For gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The recommendation, by Colonel Beverley Matthews, AQ HQ First Canadian Arm, states: ‘As Deputy Director of Labour First Canadian Army, Colonel Daly has performed the difficult task of meeting the heavy demands on his service with outstanding success. With limited resources at his disposal he has shown such skill and foresight in the direction and co-ordination of the work of his units that no operation or maintenance plan has ever failed for want of labour. Indefatigable in his devotion to duty, he has at all times maintained the closest personal contact with all units under his command throughout the Army area and has thereby ensured the highest standard of efficiency and morale. His conspicuous ability, foresight and willing co-operation have made a most valuable contribution to the success of the campaign and do honour to the corps in which he serves.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 10 May 1945.

Denis William Daly was born on 12 December 1894, eldest son of William Daly, of Dunsandle, County Galway, J.P., D.L. He was educated at St Anthony’s, Eastbourne, and Downside College, near Bath. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 8th Hussars on 11 November 1914, and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 September 1915 to 19 April 1916, on which date he was promoted to Lieutenant, and from 30 August to 11 November 1918; he was twice wounded. He subsequently served in the Iraq operations 1919-20. Promoted to Captain on 4 October 1923, he retired from the 8th Hussars on 13 January 1932, but was promoted to the Brevet of Major (Reserve of Officers) on 11 September 1939, and Honorary Colonel on 27 October 1945. Colonel Daly died on 22 September 1954.

Sold with a portrait photograph, believed to be of the recipient, in uniform, in a bronzed metal frame surmounted by the badge of the 9th Lancers (to which regiment he does not appear to have been connected in any way).