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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 62

The Elizabeth Cross awarded in memory of Sergeant D. Dooley, King's Regiment, who was killed in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland whilst on active service

Elizabeth Cross (Sgt D Dooley Kings 24026570), in its original box of issue and additionally containing the corresponding miniature award, together with its card outer box, extremely fine (2)

Dennis 'Tom' Dooley was the eldest of nine brothers, five of whom served with the King's Regiment. During his career he appeared in a newspaper advertisement as part of an Army recruiting drive, which showed him serving in Germany and having previously caried out Jungle Warfare training in Malaysia. The victim of a road traffic accident close to his platoon's base at Sion Mills, just outside Strabane, Northern Ireland, he died in hospital on 15 March 1975. He is buried at Ford Catholic Cemetery, Kirkby, Liverpool.

A letter to his mother from Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. Lee elaborated the story:

'Dear Mrs Dooley,

I would like to tell you how deeply sorry I and all this Battalion feel about the tragic death of your son Dennis.

Your sons play a big part in this battalion; but 'Big Tom' as he was known by us, had an especial place because he had been with us longer than your other sons and was the most senior.

As you will know, he died as a result of an accident when the Land Rover, which he was driving, overturned. He was leading his men on a road patrol at the time with his usual skill and thoroughness. It may be of small comfort for you to know that he did not suffer from his injuries; he lost consciousness when the accident occured and did not regain it. The hospital did all they could to save him; six doctors were in the operating theatre with him for three or four hours from 1 a.m.

At time like this one is always tempted to ask why such a thing must happen to the best, and this is particularly so in the case of your son. He was a man of considerable talent and it is my view that he may one day have been RSM of this Battalion.

There is, I know, little anyone can say to soften this blow to you; but I assure you that you and his wife have the deepest sympathy of all of us in 1 Bn, The King's Regiment. We all share your grief at this loss of a fine man.

Yours sincerely, R G Lee.'

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Sold for
£850

Starting price
£600