Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain L. M. Bayly, Royal Irish Rifles, who died of wounds on 22 October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. L. M. Bayly.) good very fine (3) £1,000-£1,400

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded a company through a week’s heavy fighting, taking part in rear-guard actions and counter-attacks, in which he set a fine example. On one occasion he carried a Lewis gun the whole of a long march.’

Launcelot Myles Bayly was born in 1884, the son of Captain E. C. Bayly, Tipperary Militia, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, Special Reserve of Officers, on 3 July 1915. He served with the 5th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 September 1916, and died of wounds on 22 October 1918, whilst on attachment with the 1st Battalion. He is buried in Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery, Belgium.