Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Second War M.C. group of six attributed to Major J. C. G. Dunolly, 1st Royal Dragoon Guards and 6th Airborne, who was awarded the M.C. for services as commander of “B” Squadron, 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, during operations in Normandy from 6 June to 6 September 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn; together with the related miniature awards, and all housed in Spink, London, leather case, good very fine (6) £700-£900

M.C. London Gazette 29 March 1945.

The original Recommendation states: ‘This Officer commanded “B” Squadron of the Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment during operations in Normandy from 6th June to 6th September. The Squadron had four troops of 1 Bren Gun Carrier, 1 Jeep, and 5 Lightweight Motor Cycles each, supported by two 3" Mortars and 20 Motor Cycle Riflemen. With this force of almost completely unarmoured vehicles, Captain Dunolly operated for ten days inside enemy territory and obtained valuable information for the Divisional Commander, overcoming insuperable difficulties in country which was unsuitable to his vehicles. From 7th to 14th August, he took over and held a portion of the line under the command of 4 Special Service Brigade. During this time, the Squadron positions were very heavily mortared. From 18th to 26th August the Squadron worked in advance of the Division during the pursuit to Pont Audemer, never losing touch with the enemy, and in spite of extremely difficult country of woods, orchards and overhanging lanes, grabbed the enemy's positions with the greatest dash, and harassed his every movement. That the Squadron was able to achieve such results, reflects the greatest credit on all ranks, and more particularly on Captain Dunolly, who was an inspiration to everyone. That he was able to cover the distance, and achieve the results that he did, with few losses in men, and none in vehicles, shows that his standard of training was of a very high order. The courage and dash of his men in such country, and in unarmoured vehicles, was above the course of duty. They cannot all get an award, but the man who is so trained and directed them that they were able to obtain such results, deserves a recognition of this achievement.’

Jarrad Cholmeley Gabbett Dunolly was born in 1910 and was educated at Charterhouse and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he achieved distinction in Boxing. On leaving Sandhurst, he worked for a while with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, before being commissioned into the 1st Royal Dragoons in 1937. Promoted Lieutenant on 13 March 1940, by 1944 he was serving as a Captain in command of ‘B’ Squadron, 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment. He was later promoted to Major and appointed Second-in-Command of the Regiment. Post War, he served as a King’s and Queen’s Messenger between 1946 and 1963. He died on 12 February 1996.

Sold with small Silver ashtray with greyhound motif, hallmarks for London 1963, engraved ‘Major J. C. G. Dunolly from the Corps of Queen’s Messengers 1946-1963’; and copied research.