An excessively rare ‘Mau Mau Rebellion’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant Joseph McMulkin, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, one of only two such awards to British units
Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (22285743 Cpl. J. McMulkin, R.Innisks.); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Cpl., M.M. R.Innisks.) mounted as worn, very light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (2) £4000-5000

M.M. London Gazette 1 January 1955. ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Kenya, during the period 21st April to 20th October, 1954.’

The following details are taken from the official recommendation: ‘On 11 Apr 54 in the FORT HALL reserve news was received that a large well armed gang were in the area. Cpl McMulkin was 2 IC of an ambush party which was ordered out. At last light this large gang was seen about 400 yards away on a very steep slope the far side of a river. Fire was opened and the gang took cover and returned fire.

The ambush commander left a fire group to pin the gang to the ground whilst the remainder of the party with Cpl McMulkin assaulted the enemy across the river and, in the ever increasing darkness, swept up the steep slope reaching the gang.

A terrorist opened fire from a concealed position at short range on Cpl McMulkin, who, regardless of his own safety, continued to clamber up the steep slope, although well in advance of the commander of the assaulting party and now being fired at from almost point blank range. The gang fled the pursuit being led by Cpl McMulkin who by now was short of ammunition. Finally the party was recalled due to darkness but not before four of the gang had been killed.

During the whole engagement Cpl McMulkin displayed the greatest personal courage and leadership under conditions which gave considerable advantage to the enemy. Cpl McMulkin has been on many patrols both previous to and subsequent to this operation; his cheerfulness and leadership have always been most apparent when conditions were most trying.’

Joseph McMulkin was born in 1931 and enlisted at Omagh for the Inniskilling Fusiliers on 8 January 1951. After his service in East Africa he became House Sergeant on the personal staff of General Sir Ian Harris, General Officer Commanding, Northern Ireland. He was discharged on the reduction in the establishment of his corps on 3 September 1969. The pair is sold with an original photograph of McMulkin with his wife, a contemporary news cutting, and a copy of his Certificate of Discharge.

Only 8 Military Medals were awarded for the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya, of which only two were to British units. The award to Sergeant McMulkin is unique to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.