Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War O.B.E. group of six to Lieutenant-Colonel, Honorary Brigadier C. H. F. D’A. McCarthy, Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, gilt, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed as issued; together with a mounted set of miniature dress medals as above, generally extremely fine (lot) £150-200

O.B.E. London Gazette 9 September 1942. ‘Colonel (temporary), Corps of Royal Engineers (Res. of Off.) (Bath, Somerset)’. Recommendation reads: ‘Col. McCarthy joined M.C. G.H.Q., M.E. in December 1940. During this time he has been employed at Alexandria as A.Q.M.G. (M) and is now at G.H.Q. as Deputy Director of Movements (Shipping). His work at Alexandria is worthy of the highest praise. He has been responsible for the shipping programme to the Western Desert for the last nine months and it is largely due to his untiring efforts that this has been successfully carried out. He was also largely responsible for the Lustre move to Greece. While this move was going on all his staff were working at very high pressure, and by his untiring energy and cheerful manner, set a fine example to all those under him. He is a highly efficient Officer, with great tact and drive, and I strongly recommend him for the O.B.E.’ Recommended by Brigadier R. K. Hewer, D.Q.M.G. Movement and Transport.

Charles Henry Florence D’Arcy McCarthy was born on 29 June 1899, the only son of C. E. D. D’A. McCarthy, Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore, Madras Presidency. He entered Rugby School in 1913 and was a member of the school rugby XV in 1916, a member of the school cricket XI in 1915, 1916, 1917 (captain) and Cadet Captain in 1917. He later entered the R.M.A. Woolwich and gained the Sword of Honour in 1918. He was gazetted to the Royal Engineers in 1918. In the History of the Corps of Royal Engineers (VII) his prowess as a cricketer is referred to, ‘in 1919 ... Among the new-comers were G.(sic) F. D’A. McCarthy, a fine forcing bat who retired all too early’. During the Second World War he was promoted Major on 14 September 1940 and held the ranks of Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1940 and Acting Colonel in July 1941. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel on 10 January 1942, he held the Honorary rank of Brigadier.

Sold with a framed M.I.D. certificate to Major (T/Lieut.-Colonel) (T/Colonel) C. H. F. d’A. McCarthy, O.B.E., Royal Engineers, London Gazette 24 August 1944; Regular Army Reserve of Officers lapel badge, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1939; Rugby School Gymnasium Medallion, 44mm., silver, edge bruise; two cloth badges and several M.I.D. emblems.