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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 189

A rare Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) D.C.M. group of three awarded to Squadron Sergeant-Major A. Callaghan, 8th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry)

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (51181 Sq: S. Mjr A. Callaghan. M.G.C.); Delhi Durbar 1911, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (51181 S.S:Mjr: A. Callaghan. M.G.C.), slight contact wear, overall good very fine (3)

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1919, the original citation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry, energy and initiative; especially on 8th August, 1918, near Cayeux, when his C.O. had been killed, he showed great skill and resource in taking his place until the arrival of the next senior officer, thereby preventing any delay in the transmission of orders to the sections already engaged, and those in support. His gallantry and coolness under fire in operations subsequent to 21st March, 1918, were continuously an example to those under him.’

Albert Callaghan a native of Ealing, entered with Great War with the 10th Hussars on 6 October 1914. Advanced Squadron Sergeant-Major during the war Callaghan was likely serving with the 10th Hussar’s Machine Gun Section in February 1916 when they were amalgamated to form 8th Squadron, Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry). This unit saw heavy fighting at the Battle of Arras in April 1917 and Callaghan survived to be awarded his L.S. & G.C. on 1 October 1917.

The Squadron was transferred to the 7th Cavalry Brigade in March 1918, seeing heavy fighting during the German Spring Offensive. They were engaged at the Battle of Amiens, during which Callaghan won his D.C.M. As a war of movement began again the Squadron was again employed in heavy fighting around Cambrai, the Selle and the Sambre; sold together with copied citation and medal rolls.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£700