A good Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Private M. Clarkin, Leinster Regiment, awarded for the Victoria Cross action at Guillemont

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2129 Pte., 7/Leins. R.); Victory Medal (2129 Pte., Leins. R.) edge bruising, otherwise very fine (2) £240-280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Michael McGoona Collection to the Leinster Regiment.

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M.M. London Gazette 19 January 1917.

Private Michael Clarkin is confirmed in the regimental history as winning his M.M. whilst one of the bombers in the attack on Guillemont on 3 September 1916, in which action he was wounded. Lieutenant J. V. Holland commanded this bombing party and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding leadership. Holland’s citation states ‘For most conspicuous bravery during a heavy engagement on 3 September 1916, when, not content with bombing hostile dugouts within the objective, he fearlessly led his bombers through our own artillery barrage and cleared a great part of the village in front. He started out with 26 bombers and finished up with only five, after capturing some fifty prisoners. By this very gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy, and thus saved us many casualties when the battalion made a further advance.’