The Mesopotamia D.C.M. group of five medals to Warrant Officer 2nd Class Philip Joseph Finucane, 1st

The Mesopotamia D.C.M. group of five medals to Warrant Officer 2nd Class Philip Joseph Finucane, 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers: Distinguished Conduct Medal, George V (6434 Q.M. SJT: P. J. FINUCANE. 1/CONN: RANG:); 1914 Star, with August-November clasp (6434 Q.M. SJT P. J. FINUCANE. 1/CONN. RANG.); British War Medal 1914-20 (6434 W.O. CL. 2 P. J. FINUCANE. CONN. RANG.); Victory Medal, with oakleaf emblem (6434 W.O. CL. 2. P. J. FINUCANE. CONN. RANG.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, George V (I-6434 Q.M. SJT: P. J. FINUCANE. CONN: RANG:); mounted for wearing, the last with officialalteration to surname, good very fine and better. [5]; together with the recipient's dress tunic (as an N.C.O.), scarlet with green facings and elephant collar badges; his side cap, and an associate sash. [qty]

D.C.M.: London Gazette 20/10/1916

"Q.M.S., P. J. Finucane.... for conspicuous service and devotion to duty throughout the [Mesopotamian] campaign. He has at all times discharged with duties zealously and well."

The 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers were stationed in India at the outbreak of the First World War, and arrived in the European theatre 29th September 1914. According to family tradition, the recipient was gassed at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915. He went with his battalion to Mesopotamia, arriving in Basra 10th January 1916, and was Mentioned in Despatches (L.G. 19/10/1916) and awarded the D.C.M. He was discharged as a R.S.M. in November 1922.