A Second World War North West Europe M.C. group of six awarded to Captain Joseph J. Walsh, 2/5th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1944’ and further inscribed ‘Lieut. Joseph Walsh, XX The Lancashire Fusiliers’; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these last four all impressed in Boots’ style naming ‘Lieut. J. Walsh, Lancs. Fus’; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Capt. J. Walsh, L.F.) mounted as worn, very fine (6) £1200-1400

Ex Usher Collection 1975.

M.C. London Gazette 19 October 1944. The recommendation states:

‘Near Tessell Wood on 16 July 1944, Lieut. Walsh displayed outstanding courage, leadership and cool devotion to duty. Whilst under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire he personally hunted down and destroyed three enemy machine-gun posts. He also brought in and attended to wounded men of his platoon. His utter disregard for his own safety was an inspiration to his men.’

Lieutenant Walsh was severely wounded on 16 August 1944.