Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

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

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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.