Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal J. P. Egan, 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who died of wounds during the Battle of Messines, 7 June 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8-998 L. Cpl. J. P. Egan. 1/Otago R.); 1914-15 Star (8/988 L/Cpl. J. Egan. N.Z.E.F.); British War and Victory Medals (8/998 L/Cpl. J. P. Egan. N.Z.E.F.) mounted for display, generally very fine or better (4) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and determination in rescuing men under heavy fire.’

John Patrick Egan was born in New South Wales, Australia in 1880. He attested in the 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, in August 1914, and served with the Battalion in the Gallipoli and Egyptian theatres of war prior to serving on the Western Front. He advanced to Lance-Corporal, and was serving with the 14th Company, 1st Battalion, when he died of wounds on the Western Front, 7 June 1917. On the latter date the Battalion were engaged during the Battle of Messines.

Lance-Corporal Egan is buried in the Westhof Farm Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.

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