Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Battle of the Somme’ M.M. awarded to Private J. P. Callaghan, Royal West Kent Regiment, who served throughout the Great War, and was wounded on four separate occasions

Military Medal, G.V.R. (10335 Pte. J. P. Callaghan. 1/R.W. Kent: R.) edge bruising, worn in parts, otherwise nearly very fine £300-£400

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916.

The original recommendation states: ‘On the afternoon of 29 August 1916, when the Battalion was in occupation of the front-line trenches south-west of Guillemont, the trenches of Private Callaghan’s company were being heavily shelled, and the company was also suffering considerable casualties from our own shell fire. Private Callaghan volunteered to carry back a message to Battalion Headquarters, although at the time any movement was most dangerous. He carried back the message in very quick time across the open, and afterwards rejoined his company, although buried by a shell on the way. This man distinguished himself by his coolness and courage on many other occasions.

During the 28-29 August he brought many messages from an advanced trench to Company Headquarters under heavy fire. On the morning of 29 August he volunteered to bring in the wounded, and brought them in, although under fire at close range. When the N.C.O.s of his platoon became casualties he discharged the duties of an N.C.O. and set a splendid example to the other men. This man was subsequently wounded.’

John Callaghan attested for the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment in August 1914, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 January 1915, joining the battalion at Wulverghem. He saw action with the Battalion during the Second Battle of Ypres, at Zwarteleen; and in the fighting at Hill 60, 17-19 April 1915, where the battalion suffered casualties of 12 officers and 300 other ranks. He was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the Battle of the Somme, where he was wounded. Recovering from his wounds, Callaghan continued to serve throughout the latter stages of the Battle of the Somme, and was wounded for a second time, at Festubert in October 1916.

Callaghan was presented with his Military Medal by Brigadier-General McEwan on 9 January 1918, whilst serving with a Special Reserve battalion in Italy on the Piave front. Returning to the Western Front with the 1st Battalion, he was wounded a third time at Nieppe in May 1918, and for a fourth time at the Battle of Maubeuge in the final month of the Great War. He was discharged in 1919, having been awarded 4 Blue service chevrons and 4 wound stripes.

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