Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The G.S.M. 1918-62 awarded to Private W. Kelly, 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, who was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry at Gogni, Eritrea, 26 January 1941 - during which action he captured 7 prisoners and was wounded

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (3242885. Pte. W. Kelly. Worc. R.) with Territorial Army Rifle Association prize medal, reverse engraved ‘Rfn. W. Kelly Recruits Best Rifle Shot 1930’, toned, good very fine (2) £200-£240

M.M. London Gazette 16 April 1942:

‘At Gogni on 26.1.41. W/Sgt. Kelly in command of his platoon was ordered to advance and occupy a small hill from which to give covering fire to the main advance upon the objective. He skilfully led his platoon across bullet swept country and later was able to leap frog through into the main objective where he captured seven prisoners. After a strong enemy counter-attack had been repulsed by fire and whilst the position was under shell fire, volunteers were called for to organise a bayonet charge to clear the enemy from a small re-entrant. W/Sgt. Kelly immediately volunteered and whilst organising his party was wounded. Throughout the operation, this N.C.O. showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety and by his example and leadership was largely responsible for the success of the operation.’

William Kelly was a native of Glasgow.