The Michael McGoona Collection to the Leinster Regiment

A very fine Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., M.C. and bar group of five awarded to Major V. J. Farrell, Leinster Regiment

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; Military Cross, G.V.R., with second award bar; 1914-15 Star ((2-Lieut., Leins. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major) first medal with slightly depressed obverse centre and repair to reverse red enamel, otherwise good very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

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

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D.S.O. London Gazette 11 January 1919. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership in an attack. In command of a company in reserve, he rushed forward at a time when the advance was held up and cleared up several enemy machine gun positions on the flank, thereby enabling the whole line to move forward and reach the final objective. Afterwards he reorganised the whole line and sent back valuable information regarding the situation. He did splendid work.’

M.C. London Gazette 14 November 1916. ‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations. When the senior officers of two companies had become casualties in the firing line he took command, and by his fine example, kept his men together under intense fire.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led his company forward by night on the flank of a local attack, laid out and dug posts joining up the ground gained under heavy shell fire and very difficult conditions. He overcame all obstacles and completed his task, setting a splendid example of courage and leadership.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 December 1918.

Major Valentine Joseph Farrell, D.S.O., M.C. was one of five brothers who served in the Leinster Regiment during the Great War. On 9 September 1916, at Ginchy, the 7th Battalion, Leinster Regiment had suffered heavy casualties. All officers in ‘A’ Company had been killed with the exception of Lieutenant Farrell. Under heavy fire he went forward and withdrew the remnant of the battalion to the Guillemont-Bepaume highway. For this action he was awarded the M.C. He was later awarded the bar to the M.C. for repeated acts of heroism during 1917-18.

At Hill 63, on 3 September 1918, the 2nd battalion was in front of what General Freyberg described as insurmountable wire. The battalion had lost 180 men but Captain Farrell managed to lead his company over the wire and through the obstacles. For this action at Hill 63 he was awarded the D.S.O. His brother Captain G. E. Farrell, M.C. was wounded at Hill 63. Another brother, Major J. A. J. Farrell, D.S.O. also served with the 2nd Battalion, Leinster Regiment (see following lot). Two other brothers, Lieutenant Colonel E. F. Farrell, and Captain C. J. Farrell served with the 5th Battalion, Leinster Rgiment.