Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War C.B.E. group of three awarded to Colonel M. E. O’Donoghue, Indian Army, late 67th Foot

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in Garrard & Co. Ltd case of issue; Afghanistan 1878-80, no clasp (2nd. Lieut: M. E. O’Donoghue, 67th Foot); India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Burma 1887-89, Burma 1885-7 (Lieutt M. E. O’Donoghue 30th Madras Infy) clasps mounted in this order as usual, campaign awards mounted for wear, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (3) £600-£800

C.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919:

‘For valuable services rendered in connection with the war.’

Montague Ernest O’Donoghue was born in Belfast in February 1859. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 36th Foot in May 1878, before transferring to the 67th Foot in July of the same year. O’Donoghue advanced to Lieutenant in September 1880, and transferred to the Madras Staff Corps, Indian Army in October 1882. He advanced to Captain in May 1889, and to Major in May 1898. O’Donoghue advanced to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1904, and to Brevet Colonel in May 1907. He retired in May 1910. O’Donoghue’s M.I.C. gives him as serving during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry and the Indian Army (Ret). It also lists him as serving in the French theatre of war from 6 February 1917, but only being entitled to and applying for a British War Medal. Colonel O’Donoghue died in Bournemouth in June 1943.