John Folan
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John Folan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1895 Cashel, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance |  Ireland & United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–18 |
| Rank | World War I – Private |
| Unit | Connaught Rangers c.1914 – 1918 |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Conduct Medal (3 June 1916) Mentioned in Despatches (5) 1915 Star Order of the Karađorđe's Star-2nd Class Silver Star (with Swords) British War Medal Victory Medal |
John Folan DCM, born in Cashel, County Galway, (DOB 1895 – ) was an Irish recipient of the DCM, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the second highest for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He also won the Order of the Karađorđe's Star for service on the Macedonian Front in 1917.
Details
[edit]He was a private in the 3rd Battalion, Connaught Rangers, British Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the DCM.
"For conspicuous gallantry when in command of a trench. Although wounded, he held on to his position after part of the line had been rushed."
The Connacht Tribune in June, 1915 reported
Reward for Gallantry. It has caused much satisfaction in Cashel (Connemara), to learn that Private John Folan of the Connacht Rangers, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in Mesopotamia. Though seriously wounded, and after his officer has been shot, he rallied his company, and held a line of trenches against the Turks. He is a son of the late Thomas Folan, pilot, Canower, County Galway.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
[edit]The following announcement appeared in June 1916 and since there was usually a gap of about 3 months before a specific event and the announcement of an award it would normally relate to something occurring in early 1916.
LONDON GAZETTE 13 JUNE 1916 DCM ANNOUNCEMENT
'His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday, to approve of the undermentioned rewards for distinguished services in connection with Military Operations with the British Forces in Salonika:—
AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL.
3/5582 Pte. J. Folan, 3rd Bn, Conn. Rang.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 13 JULY 1916
‘With reference to the dispatch published in June 1916, the following are mentioned for distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of Sir Charles Munro’s command of the Mediterramean Expeditionary Force*.'
3/5582 Pte. J. Folan, 3rd Bn, Conn. Rang.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- The London Gazette, 3 June 1916
- The London Gazette, 21 June 1916
- The London Gazette, 13 July 1916
- The London Gazette, 21 April 1917
- Irish National Archives – 1901 Census