Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of four awarded to Gunner J. McNulty, 2nd Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 31 March 1918, returning to the field, 11 May 1918, and distinguished himself under shell fire surrounded by live ammunition, 28 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2950 Gnr: J. McNulty. 2/Aust: M.T.M. By.); 1914-15 Star (2950 Gnr J McNulty. 1/D.A.C. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2950 Gnr J. McNulty. 1/D.A.C. A.I.F.) mounted for display, generally good very fine (4) £700 -900

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original joint recommendation (with Gunner E. M. Corrigan) states:

‘At Nord Helf east of Strazeele on 28th May 1918, these two men were acting as garrison on No. 3 Gun. At about 10 p.m. an incendiary shell landed on the ammunition pit which contained nearly 100 6" bombs - most of them detonated and fused - and set fire to the charges. They at once dashed forward and attempted to extinguish the fire knowing that the bombs were ready for firing. They both sustained numerous burns. By their prompt action they saved a number of rounds and showed very exceptional courage and devotion to duty.’

James McNulty was born in Newry, County Down, Ireland, in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Brisbane, 1 October 1914, and subsequently embarked for Egypt with the 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade. McNulty served with the 2nd Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

McNulty was gassed, 31 March 1918, and after a period of hospitalisation he rejoined his unit in the field, 11 May 1918. He was awarded his M.M. for gallantry whilst serving with the 2nd Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery in the Ypres sector, 28 May 1918. McNulty returned to Australia in H.M.T. Taranto, in 8 October 1918, and was discharged 3 February 1919.