Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 37
The outstanding Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. and 1917 ‘Ypres’ Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Scout Corporal C. E. Maloney, 7th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. in 1916, and captured a German dugout containing 20 prisoners the following year, before succumbing to multiple fatal wounds, 23 September 1917
Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (3160 Pte C. E. Maloney. 7/Aust: Inf: Bn:); 1914-15 Star (3160 Pte C. E. Maloney. 7/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (3160 Cpl. C. E. Maloney. 7 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, good very fine or better (4)
£2,000-£2,400 M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1916. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:
‘At Pozieres, France, from 19/22 August 1916, No. 3160 Pte. C.E. Maloney, 7th Battalion, A.I.F., showed conspicuous bravery during the recent assault N.E. of Pozieres and particularly on the night of the assault, 19/20, when he carried messages and reports backwards and forwards from front line to advanced Headquarters in I.C.O. These messages and reports were of the most vital importance and had to be carried through intense barrages of enemy fire. His untiring efforts up to the time of relief, night of 21/22 August, in locating our positions are also worthy of mention, because of the great risks he knew he was taking. He also guided numerous digging parties to their tasks thereby saving much valuable time.’
M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation states:
‘Near Polygon de Zonnebeke, east of Ypres on 20th September 1917, Cpl. Maloney displayed great courage and enterprise as a Scout Corporal. He captured 20 prisoners and was foremost in the advance of the Battalion, sending back valuable information. He was severely wounded whilst observing, in an exposed position, the progress of the action.’
Charles Edward Maloney was born in Richmond, Surrey in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, Victoria, 7 July 1915. He was posted to the 10th Reinforcements, and via Egypt, transferred to the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion. He served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from March 1916.
Maloney distinguished himself on the Somme in August 1916, where he was employed as a messenger and a scout. His ability as a scout is highlighted on another occasion later in the year by Our Dear Old Battalion - The Story of the 7th Battalion, A.I.F., 1914-1919:
‘Two incidents that occurred on 19 December, broke the monotony of the daily trench routine. Lieutenant Bill D'Altera (d. 10 Dec 1925) and two scouts made a daylight reconnaissance of Gueudecourt village in a vain attempt to locate some hidden monastic tunnels. D'Altera then ventured out to nearby Lard Trench with Private Charles Maloney (3160), who was widely regarded as the best scout in the battalion, and who had previously explored the trench and brought back souvenirs. Maloney confirmed that, although the trench was now empty, it had recently been occupied by the enemy. When D'Altera came under fire from what appeared to be enemy snipers, Maloney reassured his officer with these words; "That's allright sir. It's only the 8th Battalion!”‘
Maloney advanced to Corporal in January 1917, and was wounded in action, 21 April 1917. He distinguished himself once again, this time in the Ypres sector, 20 September 1917:
‘Shortly after Herrod had set up his BHQ in the dugout, Corporal Charles Maloney of the Scouts Section arrived and reported that 20 prisoners had been captured in a nearby dugout. Maloney was later mortally wounded whilst observing the advance of the 7th Battalion. His action in taking the 20 prisoners including one officer, belonging to the 4th and 15th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiments (RIR), during the early stage of the advance and his willingness to take great risks in an effort to obtain information, led to him being awarded a Bar to his MM. At 6.30 am, Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell the CO of the 8th Battalion, arrived and set up his BHQ in the dugout that had earlier been captured by Maloney.' (Ibid)
Maloney received multiple gunshot wounds during the above action - to his left shoulder, leg and thigh - of which he died three days later. Corporal Maloney is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
www.dnw.co.uk all lots are illustrated on our website and are subject to buyers’ premium at 24% (+VAT where applicable)
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234
