Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Easter Rising’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant P. Brophy, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, for his gallantry during the struggle to secure the Daily Express building from the rebel garrison, 25 April 1916

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4907 Sjt: P. Brophy. 5/R. Dub: Fus:) contact marks and edge bruising, very fine £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 March 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assisted to establish a permanent footing in the upper stories of a building under heavy fire. He set a splendid example to his men.’

P. Brophy served with the 5th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers in Ireland during the Easter Rising in 1916, and was likely awarded his D.C.M. for his gallantry in Dublin on Tuesday 25 April 1916, in the following action:

‘All available forces of the Crown had been engaged throughout Tuesday morning in conflict with the entrenched rebels, and many fiercely-contested engagements took place. At daybreak a body of Crown troops surrounded Cork Hill, and a fierce struggle took place for the possession of the Daily Express building. Artillery was brought into play, and prepared the way for a charge. This was carried out in gallant style by a detachment of the 5th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, under Second Lieutenant F. O’Neill, and a terrible fight took place on the only staircase leading to the upper rooms. Many casualties took place at this stage; however, the Crown forces ultimately carried the position, and either killed or captured the rebel garrison.’ (1916 Rebellion Handbook refers).