A Great War 1914 Star and bar trio awarded to Private T. Finucane, 1st Battalion, East Kent Regiment who had seen service on the Western Front from 7th September 1914 and was later discharged upon the termination of his engagement on 30th November 1915. A somewhat colourful character he was once imprisoned for illegally running a brothel in Chelsea. Although his Commanding Officer later stated he was a man of exemplary character, and that he had been part of the charge at Hulluch on 13th October 1915.
Group of 3: 1914 Star with 5th Aug-22nd Nov bar; (L-5787 PTE. T. FINUCANE. 1/E. KENT. R.) British War Medal and Victory Medal; (L-5787 PTE. T. FINUCANE. E. KENT. R.)
Condition: Good Very Fine
Timothy Finucane enlisted on 14th November 1898 and saw service as a Private (No. L-5787) with the 1st Battalion, East Kent Regiment during the Boer War and would see service on the Western Front from 7th September 1914 with the 1st Battalion, East Kent Regiment – the Buffs, before being discharged upon the termination of his engagement on 30th November 1915 having been asked to continue serving but having declined.
A character reference signed by the Colonel, Commanding the Depot of the Buffs states: ‘Pte. T. Finucane was a man of exemplary character. Did splendid work throughout his whole tour of duty in the Battalion. Certianly did lead a section of Bombers in the charge on the 13th at Hulluch. Held in high esteem by the later Company Commander. Could speak French well. H.E. Pread, Major’ and then additionally ‘The above character has been sent form the front by Pte. Finucane’s Company Commander. He served with me in former years and I know him as a good man.’ G.V. Dauglish, Col.’ An interesting reference given his somewhat numerous offences in the regimental defaulters book for failing to carry out his duties, bringing intoxicating liquor into the barracks and being drunk!
His civilian life also appears to have been somewhat ‘colourful’ having been sentenced to two months in Pentonville on 31st August 1907, when noted as an Army Reservist he was found guilty at Westminster Police Court for unlawfully keeping certain premises to wit 3a King Places, as a brothel.
