Lot 122
Royal Dublin Fusiliers – A Gallipoli “Dubster” Wounded on the Western Front and taken POW
At Sea, On Land & In The Air | M24003
Auction: 24 September 2024 at 18:30 BST
Description
The Victory Medal and 1939-45 Irish Emergency Medal awarded to Private Michael Burke, 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers who landed in Gallipoli on the 13th of May 1915, fought on the Western Front and was wounded in the right leg taken Prisoner of War at Epehy on the 20th of March 1918 comprising, 1914-1919 Victory Medal (17889 Pte. M. Burke. R. D. Fus:), Irish Emergency Medal 1939-45, with top suspension, unnamed as issued, in cardboard case of issue, Victory Medal, heavily toned, polished, poor, Emergency Medal, as issued (2)
Michael Burke enlisted in December 1914. The 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers: sailed from Avonmouth for Gallipoli on the 16 March 1915 going via Alexandria and Mudros, where it halted on 9 April.
Landed at Cape Helles on 25 April 1915. Between 30 April and 19 May 1915, following heavy casualties, the battalion and 1st Royal Munster Fusiliers formed one composite unit, called the ‘Dubsters’. 1 January 1916 evacuated from Gallipoli to Egypt, arriving 8 January.
After surviving Gallipoli he was taken Prisoner of War at Epehy on 20th March 1918.
Awarded a Silver War Badge for wounds on Discharge in 1919, Pension card says simply 'Inj. right leg' as cause of discharge when he gets home 1919.
Sold with Copy Medal index card, Copy Medal Rolld Copy SWB Roll and Copy POW List. Also one further 1939-45 Irish Emergency Medal with top suspension and a King George V and Queen Mary Silver Jubilee commemorative medal, all housed in the Green Cardboard box of issue for the Irish Emergency Medal
