Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 9024 - The Property of a Gentleman Orders, Decorations and Campaign Medals
Lot: 708

A 1945 Immediate ´North West Europe´ M.M. to Sergeant S. Cochrane, Royal Ulster Rifles Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7010456 A. Sjt. S. Cochrane. R.U.Rif.), light scratches, otherwise good very fine Estimate £ 1,000-1,200 M.M. London Gazette 12.7.1945 7010456 Sjt. S. Cochrane, 2nd Bn. R.U. Rif. The Recommendation, signed by Montgomery, and dated 16.4.1945, states, ´´On the night 29/30th March, 1945, "D" Company was the assault Company in the crossing of the River Aa. 16 Platoon was the left hand platoon and their task was to cross the river and protect the left and open flank of the Battalion. The platoon had not long got into position when MG fire broke out from a point on the river bank about 200 yards away, directed at the crossing place and preventing any further movement across the water. Without hesitation Sjt Cochrane went round his platoon directing the fire of his Bren Groups. He skilfully manoeuvred them to alternative positions which by his energy and personal leadership soon neutralized the enemy MG. A short while later the enemy, determined at all costs to prevent any further crossings, sent a patrol out which succeeded in infiltrating in the darkness to within 15 yards of the leading section. From here the enemy threw grenades, and using the perfect cover of a deep ditch, made a determined effort to dislodge the Section with Rifle Grenades and Schmeizer fire. Sgt. Cochrane, who throughout was walking about in the open encouraging his men, with complete disregard for his own safety quickly organized the reserve section and, himself personally leading them in a counter attack, not only drove them off but pursued them with such vigour that he succeeded in securing the entire Patrol as prisoners. By his prompt and energetic action he succeeded in turning a difficult situation and ensuring the safe crossing of the remainder of the Battalion which might have been seriously held up, if not altogether cut off, had the enemy Patrol got through.´´ Provenance: J.B. Hayward May 1969

Sold for
£2,000