Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Advance to Victory’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant T. McCaffrey, Royal Field Artillery, who had been earlier Mentioned in Despatches

Military Medal, G.V.R. (6638. Sjt. T. McCaffrey R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (6638 Gnr. T. Mc.Caffrey R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (6638. Sjt. T. McCaffrey R.A.) edge bruise to MM, contact marks, very fine (4) £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919.

M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917.

Thomas McCaffrey attested for the Royal Field Artillery on 1 September 1914 and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 28 February 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with 71st Battery, 6th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, from 21 August 1918 to 6 October 1918, having been earlier Mentioned in Despatches. His Great War medals were sent to him at 69 West End, Park Street, Glasgow.

Sold together with a detailed archive including a Great War period photograph of the recipient in uniform, his original certificate of transfer to the reserve, his Officer Commanding 2nd Divisional Certificate signed by Major General Pereira, C.B., C.M.G., congratulating him for his bravery and devotion to duty during operations from 21 August to 6 October 1918, the original envelope for his Great War medals, instructions for wearing his Mentioned in Despatches emblem, a Princess Mary Christmas Tin, and the recipient’s detailed hand-written diary from 10 August 1917 to 11 November 1918, most worthy of publication, including the following entries:

‘22.2.17: Hear rumours about a railway strike being threatened at home. God forbid! I think that some of these people who want to strike should have a spell out here. I think it would open their eyes a bit. The soldier and sailor are all right but it is the civilian who is lacking. Oh for a change round. I would work overtime all week just to get home. We have to work sometimes 25 hours every day. We don’t grumble (at least not aloud). People at home can go to a soft bed when they are finished. I wonder if they have ever slept out in the rain, too tired to move out of it.’

‘25.10.17: Left Hill Top Farm at 5.15 a.m. arriving at 7.45 a.m. Germans shelled us from 10.30 a.m. till noon when he seemed to shorten his range, thank God. Had three direct hits on this Pill-Box of ours but no damage done or lives lost. Fritz gives us a terrible time. Our casualties are enormous including 3 officers killed. Major Sandford gets recommended for D.S.O. and Gough for M.C. and several Other Ranks are recommended also.’

‘4.11.18: Fired barrage and the Germans had been gradually retiring. We were shelled all the previous night but had no casualties. Pulled forward to Villers Pol and it has rained for the last 4 days. I have been awarded the Military Medal on 31-1-18. I think it will please all the dear folk at home. Have just heard that we have captured in one show, over 20,000 prisoners and 2,000 guns, and also that Ghent has fallen. Everybody says that the war is nearly over. I am rather inclined to think so too.’