Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Lieutenant-Commander C. Callaghan, Royal Navy, who commanded the destroyer Attack in the action off the Dogger Bank in January 1915, and subsequently at the destruction of the U12 in March 1915

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (Sub. Lieut. C. Callaghan, R.N., H.M.S. Naiad:); 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. C. Callaghan, R,N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Commr. C. Callaghan. R.N.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (unsuccessful), (Lieut: C. Callaghan, R.N. April. 1. 1904.) complete with bronze ribbon buckle but this lacking pin, nearly very fine (5) £500-£700

R.H.S. Case 33159: ‘On the 1st April 1904, W. A. Edwards, in passing from the pinnace to H.M.S. Kent in Sheerness harbour, fell into the river and was soon carried 200 yds astern by the tide. Lieut Callaghan and Mc Gowan jumped in and rescued him.’

Cyril Callaghan was appointed Sub-Lieutenant in Naiad in 1903, and was specially promoted for services in connection with the disembarkation of the Somaliland expedition. As Lieutenant-Commander he commanded the destroyer Attack in Admiral Beatty’s action off the Dogger Bank, 24th January, 1915, when the Admiral was conveyed in the vessel from the Lion to the Princess Royal. Sir David Beatty wrote in his despatch (London Gazette 3rd March, 1915):- “The good seamanship of Lieutenant-Commander Cyril Callaghan, H.M.S. Attack, in placing his vessel alongside the Lion, and subsequently the Princess Royal, enabled the transfer of flag to be made in the shortest possible time.” Also commanded the Attack at the chase and destruction of thye German submarine U12 off the Firth of Forth, 10th March, 1915, when he received Letter on Vellum expressing the approbation of the Admiralty for his services in these operations. (The Naval Who’s Who 1917, refers).