Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Great War M.C. and Second Award Bar awarded to Major J. Doherty, 7th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, who died of illness on 26 February 1919

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Major. J. Doherty 7th F.A. Bde. A.I.F.’, in case of issue, with replacement copy suspension, otherwise extremely fine £2,000-£2,600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late Ron Wright.

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M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1918.
The original Recommendation, dated 14 January 1918, states: ‘This officer during the temporary absence of his Battery Commander was in charge of his Batter on Wyschaete Ridge. On 14 January 1918, during a series, a premature occurred in one of his guns completely wrecking the piece, putting the entire detachment out of action (3 wounded, 2 dangerously) and setting the charges and pit on fire. Captain Doherty was quickly on the spot, ands regardless of the fact that High Explosive and Lethal Gas shells were stored in the fiercely blazing pit, entered alone and attempted to extinguish the flames. He then organised a chain of fire buckets, himself remaining in the pit, and personally got the fire under control. His action was most prompt and courageous, and undoubtedly saved much damage and probable loss of life.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 16 September 1918.
The original Recommendation, dated 16 May 1918, states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night of 28-29 April, at Le Heuplier near Caestre when the 102nd Battery Wagon Lines were subjected to a sudden burst of shell fire. A large tree near which some men were sleeping was hit and fell on four of the men. This officer organised a rescue party ands was successful in extricating them, tow of whom were killed. The further shelling set fire to a dump of ammunition which spread to the stables. Captain Doherty then turned his attention to the extinguishing of this fire, and the withdrawal of the horses from the stable. By his courage ands ability he set a splendid example to the party of men he organised and in addition to the rescue of the men referred to ,was instrumental in saving valuable government property.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 June 1917.
The original Recommendation, dated 7 March 1917, states: ‘For general good service and devotion to duty. He is a most capable and energetic officer, and had done excellent work, both as a subaltern officer, and since acting as Battery Commander of the 102nd Battery.’

James Doherty was born in Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales on 6 March 1888 and was educated at Sydney University. He served with the 102nd (Howitzer) Battery, 2nd Australian Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Australian Division during the Great War on the Western Front, was wounded near Ypres on 31 July 1917, ands for his gallantry was awarded the Military Cross and a Second Award Bar. On gaining his first distinction, General Birdwood wrote as follows:
‘I write to convoy to you my heartiest congratulations on the Military Cross, which has been awarded to you in recognition of the conspicuous bravery which you displayed when in charge of your battery. Thank you so much for your prompt and gallant action, which undoubtedly saved much damage and loss of life.’

Subsequently transferring to the 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, Doherty died of broncho pnumonia on 26 February 1919, and is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey. Sold with copied research, no original documents accompany this lot.