Lot 504

Description

Group of Four: Military Cross and bar (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal with Oak Leaf. 2/Lieut J.Doherty 1/F.A Bde A.I.F. on star, as Major on last two medals. First unnamed and with modern copy bar, third medal renamed and engraved, second and last medals impressed. Fine-very fine.

Major James Doherty born Balmain 6Mar1888 died on service 26Feb1919. MC C.G. 25Jul1918 and 12Dec1918 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while temporarily in charge of his battery. A premature explosion occurred in one of the guns, which put the whole detachment out of action and set the charges in the gun-pit on fire. He at once entered the gun-pit alone and attempted to extinguish the fire. He organised a party to carry water, and remaining in the pit himself, in spite of the flames, got the fire under control. His prompt and courageous action prevented considerable damage and loss of life. *Bar C.G. 4Feb1919 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the battery waggon lines were subjected to a sudden burst of shell fire, a large tree near which some men were sleeping was hit, and fell on four of them. This officer organised a rescue party and got them out, but two were killed. Further shelling set fire to an ammunition dump, which spread to the stables; he organised the withdrawal of the horses and the extinguishing of the fire, setting a splendid example to the men. M.I.D. C.G. 4Oct1917. Together with research, photographs and Lodge apron in case of issue.