WW1 Military Medal (First Day of the Somme Award), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal Group of Four – Sgt. R. Hegarty, 7th Bn. South Lancashire Regiment – K.I.A. 22nd July 1916

A first day of the Somme MM group to 11789 Sergeant Richard Hegarty, 7th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was killed in action on 22/07/1916. 

George V Military Medal named to 11789 Sjt: R. Hegarty. 7 / S. Lanc: R. 
1914-15 Star named to 11789 Cpl. R. Hegarty. S. Lan. R. 
British War Medal named to 11789 Sjt. R. Hegarty. S. Lan. R. 
WW1 Victory Medal named to 11789 Sjt. R. Hegarty. S. Lan. R. 

London Gazette: 23rd August 1916 (MM)
This issue of the Gazette covered the awards for the first day of the Somme and his service papers show that he was promoted “in the field” on the 1st July 1916.

Killed In Action – 22nd July 1916 (Thiepval Memorial)

Richard Hegarty was born in Everton, Liverpool in 1891. He attested for the South Lancashire Regiment at Liverpool on 01/09/1914 and posted to the 6th Battalion on the day of enlistment. He transferred to the 7th Battalion on 8th September 1914 serving in France from 18th July 1915. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 18/01/1915, promoted to Corporal on 27/02/1915, and Sergeant in the field on 01/07/1916.

On the 1st July 1916, the first day of the Somme offensive, the 7th South Lancashires advanced in the afternoon for the attack on Ovillers.

The 23rd July 1916 was the opening day of the battle of Pozieres Ridge. The 19th (Western) Division, which included the 7th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, attacked the Switch Line at 0030, on the left of the attack the 8th Gloucesters were halted by machine gun fire. The 7th South Lancashire Regiment and the 7th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (56th Brigade) could do no better and were withdrawn between 1500 and 1600. Hegarty’s service record records he was reported missing on the night of 22nd/23rd July 1916 and death presumed on the earlier of the two dates, aged 25 years. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

The medals are in good condition with ribbons. 

Comes with research.