Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Private M. Kiernan, 24th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Irish)

Military Medal, G.V.R. (24-278 Pte M. Kiernan. 24/Nth’ld Fus:) good fine £200-£240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire. He went out from the crater on several occasions under most heavy fire to bring his commanding officer (who was seriously wounded, and lying in “No Man’s Land”) to safety, and dress his wounds. On two occasions he had to return as the man he took out with him was killed.’

Michael Kiernan was a native of Hebburn, Northumberland. He enlisted in the 24th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Irish), 16 October 1915. Kiernan served with the Battalion as part of the 103rd Brigade, 34th Division on the Somme, ‘Attack on La Boisselle (1/7) - advanced from assembly positions in Tara-Usna Line 7.40 am in support of 101st Brigade. Heavy casualties moving forward to British front line and in attack up Sausage Valley. War Diary notes enemy’s intense machine gun fire - few reached objective - 1 officer with handful of men almost reaching Contalmaison but forced to retire to German second line. Relieved from forward area and to Long Valley. Casualties 650. To Henencourt Wood (5/7), Humbercamps (6/7). From Armentières sector entrained at Merville for longeau (26/8). (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers).

Kiernan was discharged, as a consequence of receiving a gun shot wound, 18 March 1917 (entitled to a Silver War Badge and a Great War pair).