Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine ‘Gallipoli’ Royal Naval Division C.G.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant C. J. Braddock, Royal Marine Light Infantry, for gallantry during the operations South of Achi Baba

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.V.R. (Ch.B.2013 Pte. C. J. Braddock, R.M.L.I. Chat. Bn. R.N. Divn.); 1914 Star, with copy Mons bar (Ch.14298 Sergt., R.M. Brigade); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Ch.14298 Pte., R.M.L.I.); Defence and War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Sergt., R.M.L.I.) together with original parchment Certificate of Service and Certificate for Wounds and Hurts, the medals much polished and worn, therefore fine (7) £1600-1800

C.G.M. London Gazette 2 July 1915 ‘Behaved with distinguished gallantry on May 1st during operations South of Achi Baba. When the enemy in greatly superior numbers attacked an outpost of 30 men he volunteered in company with Lieutenant Cheetham and one other man to counter-attack the enemy on a flank in the open under heavy fire, thus assisting to save the outpost line.’

The following details are taken from the history of the Royal Marines in the War of 1914-1919, Kemal’s Third Attack: ‘On 1st May, the Turks attacked again at 4 a.m., but this was broken by fire. Another attack was made at 4 p.m., along the front of Quinn’s Post and Lone Pine trenches. The Turkish attack came across Johnston’s Jolly and 1000 Turks attacked Chatham R.M.L.I., who opened rifle and machine gun fire, which broke the Turkish attack when about 200 yards off, and by 6 p.m., the enemy had retired. Lieutenant J. Cheetham was awarded the D.S.C. for his courage and initiative in the defence of this position. Private (acting Sergeant) C. J. Braddock (Chatham), the well known heavy-weight boxer, was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, for volunteering, in company with Lieutenant Cheetham and one other man to counter-attack the enemy on a flank in the open under heavy fire, thus assisting to clear the line. As the Australian History says, “The Marines bore the brunt of Mustafa Kemal’s third attack; though better timed and delivered than the last, it completely failed.”

Braddock’s Certificate of Service records that he ‘Served at Dunkirk 20 Sep-2 Oct 14; Defence of Antwerp 3 Oct - 9 Oct 14; Awarded Certificate by G.O.C. R.N. Division for courageous and gallant conduct in the field 1st May 15; Awarded an annuity of £10 to accompany C.G. Medal, 1 Feb 17; Specially promoted by Admiralty for good service in the field, 6 Feb 17.’ He was still serving in the Royal Marines in May 1940, as temporary Colour Sergeant.