Award Military Medal Pe. J.H. Cooke, 2nd Bn Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ardennes)

brithm · Sep 17, 2022

Award Military Medal Pte. James Henry Cooke 2nd Bn Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (14318025)

On the night of 4th January 1945 Pte. COOKE was the PIAT man of the leading platoon advancing up the Street at BURE. The enemy was holding the crossroads in the centre of the village and counter attacking supported by a TIGER tank. This tank was systematically destroying the houses on the opposite side of the road and inflicting casualties on the leading platoon of the Company on that side of the road. The enemy was also covering the street with automatic and rifle fire.

Pte. COOKE, without hesitation and showing incredible gallantry and disregard of his personal safety, took his PIAT out into the street, where he was under direct fire, so that he could get a shot at the tank. He fired two bombs and hit the tank but did not disable it. He then returned to his platoon, collected three more bombs and returned to his position in the open. Having fired three more bombs, the tank was knocked out and ceased firing. Owing to this gallant action the company was able to infiltrate forward and the other platoon was relieved from a very difficult position.

Pte. COOKE's action had a definite effect on the future success of the operation and saved the lives of many of his comrades. As a result of his action, casualties were inflicted on the enemy, since the tank crew was wiped out by small arms fire as they got out of the vehicle.

Pte. COOKE's action was a fine display of courage and an example of determination and personal bravery which had a stirring effect on his comrade
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WO 373/53/154

Chelmsford Chronicle 8th June 1945

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Award Military Medal Pe. J.H. Cooke, 2nd Bn Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ardennes)

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Award Military Medal Pe. J.H. Cooke, 2nd Bn Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ardennes)

brithm Senior Member

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