Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘1917’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant J. D. Kelly, South African Heavy Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (W.676. Sgt. J. D. Kelly. S.A.H.A.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sgt. J. D. Kelly. S.A.H.A.) all officially renamed, generally very fine or better (3) £240-£280

M.M. London Gazette:

‘On the night of 24th November, 1917, during an attack by a large party of the enemy in which they forced their way into his trench severely wounded the Officer in charge, Sergeant Kelly immediately carried this Officer back to safety. He returned at the head of his men and drove the enemy out inflicting severe losses on them. The success of this counter-attack was due principally to his conspicuous courage, devotion to duty and leadership with which he inspired his men after his Senior Officer had been wounded.’

John Dudley Kelly enlisted in the South African Heavy Artillery in February 1916, and returned to South Africa in March 1919.