James Plunkett joined the Royal Irish Regiment as a boy soldier. By the outbreak of the First World War, he had already served for 23 years and risen to regimental sergeant major.

Plunkett fought on the Western Front throughout the war. During this time, he became a first-class battalion commander and one of the conflict’s most highly decorated soldiers.

Using Plunkett’s memoir and exceptional medal group, curator Justin Saddington will tell the story of this incredible soldier who time and again exhibited the highest levels of courage, leadership and devotion to duty in this most gruelling theatre of war.

Justin Saddington is a research curator at the National Army Museum. He has curated exhibitions including Buried Among Kings: The Story of the Unknown Warrior’ and Harp and Crown: Soldiers of the Irish Regiments

Absolute Contempt of Danger: The First World War Service of Lieutenant Colonel James Frederick Plunkett