A Great War 1914 ‘Defence of Givenchy’ D.C.M. awarded to Private P. Brady, 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders, who was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, 10 March 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (753 Pte. P. Brady. 1 [sic]/R. Hdrs) minor edge bruise, good very fine £700-900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 42nd Highlanders and 73rd Foot (Black Watch).

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D.C.M. London Gazette 1 April 1915:

‘For gallant conduct from 19th to 21st December, 1914, in throwing bombs into the enemy’s position, the effect of which was that their advance was checked.’

Patrick Brady was born in Dundee, and served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 12 October 1914. Brady distinguished himself during the defence of Givenchy, 20 - 21 December 1914, for which dates the Regimental History gives the following:

‘The Battalion was ordered up to Rue de l’Epinette, in support of the Dehra Dun Brigade, on the night of the 17th/18th. In face of repeated attacks, and in spite of the prevailing confusion, the 1st Seaforths had stood firm, though the units on both sides of them had fallen back and left their flanks exposed. Nos. 3 and 4 Companies under Major Wauchope were now sent forward as a support to that part of the line near the Picquet House.

Receiving no further orders after midday, Major Wauchope pushed forward, and was able, with part of his force, to restore connection between the Highland Light Infantry and the right of the Seaforths. No. 4 Company was sent up to support the Seaforths on their left, and for forty-eight hours assisted them to hold their isolated and dangerous position, till a counter-attack by troops of the I Corps partially restored the situation. The companies were forty-eight hours without rations while in the line, and no rations reached the Seaforths for four days. Second Lieutenant W. E. Maitland, who had joined the Battalion only a few days previously, was mortally wounded just after No. 4 Company reached the line. Major Wauchope was also wounded. Lieutenant I. B. McLeod, in command of No. 3 Company, showed his fine soldierly instinct during this difficult fighting.’

The Battalion were particularly engaged during the Battle of Neuve Chappelle, 10 -13 March 1915. Brady was killed in action on the first day of the battle, during which ‘the section held by the Battalion just opposite the Bois de Biez was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel St. J. Harvey, who had, besides the Battalion, portions of the 1/4th Black Watch and certain other units. (ibid)’

Private Brady is commemorated on Le Touret, Pas de Calais, France.