Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Great War D.S.O., M.C. and bar group of five awarded to Major V.J. Farrell, Leinster Regiment

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER, G.V.R.; MILITARY CROSS, G.V.R., with second award bar; 1914-15 STAR (2-Lieut., Leins. R.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS, M.I.D. (Major) good very fine (5)

Valentine Joseph Farrell was one of five brothers who served in the Leinster Regiment during the Great War. On 9 September 1916, at Ginchy, the 7th Battalion Leinster Regiment had suffered heavy casualties. All officers in 'A' company had been killed with the exception of Lieutenant Farrell. Under heavy fire he went forward and withdrew the remnant of the battalion to the Guillemont-Bapaume highway. For this action he was awarded the M.C. (L.G. 16 November 1916). He was later awarded the Bar to the M.C. for repeated acts of heroism during 1917-18 (L.G. 16 September 1918). At Hill 63, on 3 September 1918, the 2nd Battalion was in front of what General Freyberg described as insurmountable wire. The battalion had lost 180 men but Captain Farrell managed to lead his company over the wire and through the obstacles. He cleared up several enemy machine-gun positions on the flank, thereby enabling the whole line to move forward and reach the final objective. For this action at Hill 63 he was awarded the D.S.O. (L.G. 11 January 1919). His brother Captain G.E. Farrell, M.C. was wounded at Hill 63. Another brother, Major J.A.J. Farrell, D.S.O. also served with the 2nd battalion (see Lot 282). Two other brothers, Lieutenant-Colonel E.F. Farrell, and Captain C.J. Farrell served with the 5th battalion, Leinster Regiment.