Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A ‘Malayan Emergency’ casualty General Service Medal awarded to Gunner F. D. Cunniff, Royal Artillery, who accidentally shot himself with a submachine gun on 5 September 1957 whilst on guard duty in Singapore

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R. (21181423 Gnr. F. D. Cunniff. R.A.) good very fine £180-£220

Francis ‘Frank’ Derek Cunniff was born on 23 April 1930 and spent his childhood living at 92 Davenport Street, Bolton, Lancashire. He enjoyed 12 months service with the local Army Cadet Force before attesting for the Royal Artillery at Manchester on 26 November 1947. Volunteering for service overseas, he died in Singapore as a result of brain damage caused by a gunshot wound to the head. An accompanying Freedom of Information request (Historical Disclosures), dated 20 November 2008, adds a little more detail:
‘I can confirm the following information regarding Mr. Cunniff’s death: I am of the opinion that Gnr. Cunniff accidentally shot himself with a sten gun on 5 Sep 57. He was on duty at the time. Gnr Cunniff was blameworthy in that he affixed a charged magazine to his sten in contravention of regimental standing orders and handled his weapon in an unsafe manner.’

Aged 27 years, Cunniff is commemorated upon the Roll of Honour which is kept on public display in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

Sold with copied research including Army Service Record and FOI letter from the Army Personnel Centre.