Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private J. Connolly, East Lancashire Regiment, for repeated trench raids and deception at a critical period

Military Medal, G.V.R. (240996 Pte. J. Connolly. 1/5 E. Lanc: R.-T.F.) minor edge nicks, otherwise good very fine £200-£240

M.M. London Gazette 4 February 1918.

Joseph Connolly was born at Stacksteads, Lancashire, in 1899. A schoolboy and part-time slipper operative, he attested for the 5th (Reserve) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, on 14 October 1914, and served overseas as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force from 2 July 1915. He transferred to the Western Front in March 1917.

The award of his M.M. is documented in the contemporary press:
‘Military Medal Presentation and other Gifts for Newchurch Lad
An interesting ceremony took place in St. Peter’s R.C. School, Newchurch, on Saturday evening, when Pte. Joseph Connolly, of Bridleway, and one of the young men from St. Peter’s School, were presented by the Mayor of Rawtenstall, with the Military Medal, and also made the recipient of other gifts. Pte. Connolly, who is in the 5th East Lancashire Regiment., and whose home address is 7, Oak Cottages, Bridleway, has been awarded the Military Medal for a brave deed, officially described in the following terms:-
He was one of eight men who raided three times in succession, enemy trenches which were causing us great trouble; brought back several prisoners, made enemy believe our numbers were greater; relieved a very critical situation.’

One of the speakers at the ceremony, Father Cashell, took great pains to add:
‘Connolly volunteered when war broke out, when men were badly needed. He volunteered at the age of 16; he acted when we shouted; waved flags and went about telling others what their duty was. Joe Connolly has gone through a hell during the past three or four years, and if he did nothing else he deserves all the honour which any government may give him.’

Connolly was duly presented with his medal, a gold watch and £5. He returned to France not long thereafter, and was wounded in action at the Battle of the Selle by a gunshot wound to the left thigh.

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