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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 237

(x) A remarkable Canadian M.S.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class I R. J. Dalley, Canadian Ordnance Corps, late Gunner, Ottawa Garrison Artillery, Corporal, Royal Artillery and Acting Sergeant, 169th Canadian Infantry

Dalley saw active service over a remarkable 50 years, including being wounded by a sword cut to the head in Afghanistan in 1880, he was forced to slice some 30 years off his age to enlist for service in the Great War - still being in uniform at the grand old age of 70

Canada General Service 1866-70, 1 clasp, Fenian Raid 1866 (Gr. R. Dalley, Ottawa G.A.), officially impressed naming; Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Ali Musjid, Kandahar (1292, Bombr. R. Dally, 11/9th Bde. R.A.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (1292 Corpl. R. Dally 11th Battery 9th Bde. R.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (678249 A. Sjt. R. J. Dalley. 169-Can. Inf.); Canadian L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (No. 17 Wrt. Off'r. R. Dalley, C.O.C.); Canadian Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (Condr. (W.O.I.) R. Dalley C.O.C.), first six with silver top riband buckles, note surname spellings, a little polished and worn overall, nearly very fine and a superb combination (6)

Richard John Dalley was born at Chatham, Kent, England - some distinct differences are quoted for his date of birth but it is understood to be 20 August 1849. Having first seen service with the Ottawa Garrison Artillery during the Fenian Raids of 1866, young Dalley served with the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan. He was slightly wounded in action by a sword cut to the head on 13 April 1880 at Hisarak, when four other comrades were also wounded. Having completed some 21 years in the British Army, Dalley then served for a further 27 years in the Canadian Forces, rising to be Inspector of Shells (Munitions).

By the outbreak of the Great War he had been widowed - but was surrounded by his ten children - and was living at 547 Ossington Avenue, Toronto. Stating his date of birth as 3 February 1871, when enlisting on 3 February 1916, he joined the 169th Canadian Infantry, seeing service in Canada until 18 October 1916. Transferred to England until 12 May 1917, his health began to suffer, which was not assisted by being exposed to extremely poor weather at Bramshott Camp in December 1916. Having been diagnosed with issues to be expected of a gentleman of his age, Dalley was invalided back to Canada on 2 June 1917 for further treatment. Awarded an M.S.M. to go with his British War Medal and other previously earned awards, the gallant old solider died on 29 October 1930; sold together with 1866 Veterans Association Medal, 169th Canadian Infantry badge and copied service records.

For the awards of his son, please see Lot 128.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£3,800

Starting price
£480