Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 120

'I called for help. Almost at this moment my brother Aiden dropped. A gentleman in civilian clothes came up. I was taken to the Police Lorry.'

The meeting of Thomas O'Donovan and Major Sturrock after the Blackwater shooting

The campaign group of three awarded to Major J. D. Sturrock, Royal Army Service Corps, who served in during the Irish War of Independence as an Intelligence Officer and was present for - likely as commanding officer - the infamous and bloody Caherguillmore House raid on 26 December 1920 which saw five Sinn Fein members killed and many more wounded

Remarkably, he later went on to become a writer, with one of his works, Rivers of Unrest going to Hollywood as Ourselves Alone, directed by Brain Desmond Hurst


1914-15 Star (2. Lieut. J. D. Sturrock. A.S.C.), first ‘r’ in surname double-struck; British War and Victory Medals (Major J. D. Sturrock.), very fine (3)

[O.B.E.] London Gazette 1 January 1923.

James Dudley Sturrock was born in London in 1882 and served during the Boer War in South Africa with the 106th (Staffordshire) Company, Imperial Yeomanry (entitled to the Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, and South Africa 1901). He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army Service Corps on 18 November 1914, and served with the 1st Cavalry Brigade during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 December 1914. He was advanced Acting Major on 9 October 1918.

Post-War, Sturrock served in Ireland and was Brigade Intelligence Officer for the 18th Infantry Brigade. A copy of an official letter from 18th Infantry Brigade HQ Limerick dated 4 January 1922 regarding the removal of British officers for their own safety from Ireland states:

'The name of Major J. D. Sturrock R.A.S.C. is also submitted. This officer at one time acted as Brigade Intelligence Officer and took an especially active part in rounding up Sinn Feiner's at Caherguillmore House. However, he does not wish to be sent to England at present and has volunteered to remain during the closing down of 1166 Motor Transport Company, R.A.S.C. which he commands.'

The raid on Caherguillmore House took part on 26 December 1920 during which five Sinn Feiner's died. A dance was held that night, supposedly by the I.R.A. to raise funds for the war against the British. Crown Forces, however, were alerted to the event and they raided the house that night. Five I.R.A. men and one R.I.C. Constable were shot dead - the Black and Tans and the Royal Irish Constabulary then questioned the men inside the ballroom of the house, but obtained no information. This bloody episode led to a strong response from the I.R.A. who stepped up their campaign against the Crown Forces.

Sold with copied research which indicates that Major Sturrock was also involved in another shooting incident in February 1921 at Blackwater Mill, Parteen, Co.Clare where several civilians were shot dead.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£550

Starting price
£500