Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Whippet Tank driver Sergeant J. B. Callaghan, Tank Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (40274 Sjt. J. B. Gallaghan [sic] 8/Tank Corps.); British War and Victory Medals (40274 Sjt. J. B. Callaghan. Tank Corps.) good very fine (3) £1,600-£2,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1919; citation published 3 September 1919:
‘He has done admirable work in many Tank actions, both before operations by his devotion to duty in keeping his tank fit, and during operations, by his extreme coolness and skilful driving under very heavy fire. His conduct on all occasions was of the highest order, and he set a fine example to all.’

John Bernard Callaghan, a native of Glossop, Derbyshire, attested for the Tank Corps on 18 May 1916 and served with the 8th Battalion, Tank Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 August 1916. He suffered accidental burns in the field on 11 September 1916, being admitted to 1st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples on 13 September; repatriated to the U.K., he recovered sufficiently and returned to the Front on 24 August 1917.

Callaghan was promoted Sergeant on 26 March 1918, and during the period covered by the award of his D.C.M. he was driving the Medium Mark “A” Whippet Tank; he had ‘been put in for a decoration more than once ... I am very pleased that they have seen fit to recognise your good work at last.’ (letter to the recipient from Captain J. G. Hassell refers). Hospitalised again in July 1918, he returned to the U.K. on the S.S. Cambria on 25 July, and was discharged Class Z Reserve on 23 February 1919.

Sold together with two letters to the recipient from his Adjutant, Captain J. G. Hassell, informing him of the award of the D.C.M., dated 28 January 1919 and 10 March 1919; an original photograph of the recipient’s tank; and copied research.