Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The extremely rare and regimentally unique ‘Mau Mau Rebellion’ M.M. awarded to Corporal J. Costello, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, for his gallantry as a Patrol Leader in the Aberdare Forest, 2 July 1955 - when his patrol accounted for 6 terrorists, having tracked them through the forest after their raid on a local farm

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (22792770 A/Cpl. J. Costello. R. Ir. F.) mounted on investiture pin, in Royal Mint case of issue, number and unit partially officially corrected, nearly extremely fine £4,000-£5,000

M.M. London Gazette 31 January 1956:

‘For gallant and distinguished services in Kenya during the period 21st April to 20th October, 1955.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Place: Kenya, East Africa.

Period Covered by the Citation: 21/4/55 - 20/10/55.

How Employed: Section Commander and Patrol Leader.

During the tour of the Regiment in Kenya, Corporal Costello has been a patrol leader in the Forest Company, which has been on continuous operations in the Aberdare Forest.

He is an outstanding patrol leader and has displayed cool judgement and a quick appreciation of the situation unusual in a junior Non Commissioned Officer.

On the night of 2 July 1955 Corporal Costello was in command of the “stand by” patrol when it was called out to deal with a raid on a local farm shortly before midnight. In spite of the darkness he immediately gave chase to the gang and, with the help of a tracker dog, succeeded in following them into the forest for two and a half hours.

He then saw a small fire some way in front of him in a dense bamboo thicket. Taking only three men with him he crept up to the gang consisting of seven terrorists. He so organised his patrol that they succeeded in killing six of the terrorists and wounding the seventh.

This extremely difficult operation was most skilfully planned and reflects the highest credit on this Non Commissioned Officer.’

1 of 14 M.M.’s for Kenya 1952-56, and 1 of just 2 awarded to British Regiments for the campaign (the other being to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers), Costello’s award being unique to the Royal Irish Fusiliers.