The extremely scarce and desirable WW2/Korean War group to Capt. Cecil John Moloughney, who was mentioned in despatches for his service with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery during the Korean War. He temporarily commanded the battery in Mar-April 1952.

 

Cecil Moloughney was born 8th September 1921 at Waimate North, New Zealand. Son of William John and Gladys Moloughney (née Blong). He was commissioned 2/Lt in the Auckland Regiment in June 1942 and saw active service in Fiji later in 1942.

 

Moloughney married Valencia Helena Rountree in November 1950, just prior to embarking for service in Korea. Moloughney served in Korea as a member of "K" Force from November 1950 until May 1952, operating as Battery Captain, 161 Battery. This was arguably the most active period of the war for the New Zealanders. In April 1951 16th Field Regiment RNZA was played a significant role in supporting Australian troops during the three-day Battle of Kapyong. Their actions was rewarded with the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

 

Moloughney was Mentioned in Despatches for his service over the period Jan - Jul 1952: "Captain Cecil John Moloughney has served as Battery Captain 161 Battery since 1 Nov 50. From 9 Mar 52 to 1 April 52 he temporarily commanded the battery to my complete satisfaction and in a manner which called forth favourable comment from the infantry being supported. Quiet and unassuming he is one of the most conscientious officers I know. His sense of duty and his ready acceptance of resonsposibility are far above the ordinary. A versatile officer, he can be relied upon to carry out any task to the best of his considerable skill". The award was announced in the London Gazette 20/1/1953. For the period when Moloughney commanded the battery, he was appointed temporary-major.

 

Cecil Moloughney died at Leigh, north of Auckland on 7th June 1989 and is buried in Leigh Cemetery.

 

The Korea and UN Korea Medal are both correctly impressed 206088 CAPT. C.J. MOLOUGHNEY. The WW2 medals are unnamed, as are the Operational Service Medal and Korean War Service Medal. The group comes with two paybooks for WW2 and two for the Korean War, plus an assortment of papers, a wedding photograph, various ribbons and rank badges.