The Michael McGoona Collection to the Leinster Regiment

An exceptional Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant P. R. Farrelly, Leinster regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse neatly inscribed ‘won 31st Dec. 1917, 2/Lieut. P. R. Farrelly, 2nd Battn., Leinster Regt., investiture H.M. King George V, July 25th 1918’, with case of issue, the outer lid embossed with recipients name; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.); General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 clasp, N. W. Persia (Lieut.) nearly extremely fine and the last medal rare to the regiment (4) £500-600

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

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M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer with one N.C.O. crawled through the enemy wire and entered their front line trench. The hostile sentry and post succeeded in escaping over the top, but he proceeded to search a deep dug out himself in order to seize a prisoner, having posted his N.C.O. as sentry. Finding a quantity of equipment, he carried this up to the trench, and then proceeded to return to his lines to collect a party of men to carry away the material, all of which was finally brought into our lines. His coolness and daring in entering a dug out alone afforded a splendid example to all ranks.’

Lieutenant Patrick Richard Farrelly was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Leinster Regiment on 29 August 1917.The circumstances surrounding the award of his M.C. are described in the regimental history thus ‘On the 2nd January 1918 Second Lieutenant P. R. Farrelly accompanied by Corporal Leslie, carried out a daring patrol. Leaving the Pond Trench the two crossed the intervening space in safety and made their way into the German line. Turning a corner, they found a sentry post, the men of which immediately decamped, apparently greatly alarmed by the unexpected appearance of a British Officer and Corporal. Leaving Corporal Leslie to act as sentry, Second Lieutenant Farrelly entered a deep dugout, which he found to be untenanted, although it bore unmistakable evidence of recent occupation. Returning to Pond Trench (Corporal Leslie remaining in the German line), the officer obtained a party of men with whom he again visited the enemy’s dugout, and the party returned in triumph soon afterwards, having obtained much valuable booty. For this exploit Second Lieutenant Farrelly was awarded the Military Cross and Corporal Leslie received a second bar to his Military Medal.’

Sold with 16 pages of copied service papers confirming that he sustained a gunshot wound to his chest; and copy m.i.c. which confirms the G.S.M. and further states 1914-15 Star returned.