Orders, Decorations and Medals (12 June 1991)

Back to Catalogue

Lot 379

Date of Auction: 12th June 1991

Sold for £1,000

Estimate: £1,600 - £1,800

An extremely rare K.P.M. group awarded for gallantry during 'The Troubles' in Ireland to Inspector E. Hally, Dublin Metropolitan Police.

KING'S POLICE MEDAL, G.V.R., 1st type, (Serg., Dublin Met. Police); VISIT TO IRELAND 1900, (P.C., D.M.P.), with shamrock top brooch; VISIT TO IRELAND 1903, (P.C., D.M.P.), with shamrock top brooch; VISIT TO IRELAND 1911, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (4)

Footnote

K.P.M. London Gazette 1 January, 1920, Edward Hally, Dublin Metropolitan Police. The following citation is taken from official papers held at the Public Record Office:- 'On 9th April 1919, his private house was raided by about 25 masked and armed men during his absence. He came home while the raid was in progress and was met at the door by one of the raiders who presented a revolver at the Sergeant and ordered him to put up his hands. He did not do this, but acting with courage and determination he drew his own pistol and fired at the raiders who at once ran away. During his 25 year service he has not been reported for any offence against discipline, etc. The Sergeant has been for a considerable time on protection duty with His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, and has been engaged in a similar capaciry with members of the Royal Family, when visiting Ireland, and with high Government officials in recent years. This duty he has performed with the greatest satisfaction.' Edward Hally was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 1920. 'The Troubles' lasted from January, 1919, until the signing of the peace treaty with Britain on 11 July, 1921, and the formation of the Irish Free State. This period is generally referred to today as ‘The War of Independence' and during the two and a half years there were many atrocities and murders throughout Ireland, particularly in the south and west of the country.