3449543 Sergeant Peter Maher,

2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Awarded the Military Medal in the Suppliment to the London Gazette of 10 May 1945 (for ITALY).

The official recommendation reads: - "On the night of 24/25 October 1944, Sergeant Maher was Platoon Sergeant of 18 Platoon, "D" Company, 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. The Company was leading the battalion attack on Point 380, Mount Spaduro feature, and 18 Platoon was leading the attack. When near the objective, they came under heavy machine gun fire at 20 yards range, the platoon commander and six men were wounded. The attack faltered, but Sergeant Maher at once rushed forward, rallied the men and charged towards the objective, continually urging his men to keep close to the barrage. Shortly afterwards the postion was counter-attacked and Sergeant Maher was wounded but continued to lead his men with great initiative and determination until the attack was smashed. Throughout, Sergeant Maher showed a fine disregard for his own safety and his personal example of initiative was an inspiration to all who saw him, and contributed largely to the success of the battalion operation".

The Burnley Express of 3 February 1945 reported: -

Military Medallist

Mrs. Rachel Maher, of 110, Airdrie Crescent, Burnley, first knew of her son, Sergt. Peter Maher, having gained the Military Medal when she noticed the letters M.M. after his name on the address of one of his letters. All he says about his award is "I didn't do anything spectacular to win it."
Aged 22, Sergt. Maher has been in the Army since 1938, and has been serving in Italy since June, being wounded once in the fighting. Before that he was stationed in Africa. He was also wounded when he served throughout the blitz on Liverpool and Birkenhead with an "ack ack" division of the Royal Artillery. Sergt. Maher attended St. Mary's School and was a member of the school swimming and football teams. His brother John is a corporal in the R.A.F.