Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. R. Kevelighan, 2/7th Battalion, Liverpool Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (265472 L. Cpl., 2/7 L’pool. R.-T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2160 Cpl., L’pool. R.); together with a King’s Liverpool Regiment cap badge, edge bruising to first, otherwise generally very fine or better (4) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Liverpool Regiment from the Collection of Hal Giblin.

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M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1918.

The following in relation to the award of the M.M. is extracted from a copy of a contemporary newspaper report, which includes a photograph of recipient:

‘On the night of the 16th-17th April 1917 [at Bois Grenier], Corporal Kevelighan displayed great coolness and initiative in the handling of his party of bridge and matmoss. Having accomplished his task and paved the way for the raiding party, he displayed great gallantry and showed a splendid example in the evacuation of the wounded, crossing ‘No Man’s Land’ with wounded on no fewer than four occasions under the full force of the enemy’s barrage. He was the first man out on the raid and was the last to return, when he had thoroughly ascertained that the whole of the raiding party was safely back.’

Sold with the following original documentation:

57th Divisional Gallantry Card; two letters of congratulation on award of M.M.; notification sent to wife stating that recipient was wounded on 11 September 1918; Discharge Certificate confirming that recipient suffered a gun shot wound to the head; pocket diary for period 14 February 1917 to 22 August 1917, with brief entries for many days, including details of the following accident for which he was court martialled: 24 July 1917 ‘Accidentally shot through knee and taken to Fort Rom---. Next day to St Vincents Hospital under arrest’, 17 August 1917 ‘Tried at ----. Forfeit 14 days pay’.