7884049 Serjeant Andrew COCKBURN, MM, 1st Bn. Scots Guards

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  1. dbf

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    Army Number: 7884049
    Rank: Serjeant
    Name: Andrew COCKBURN , MM
    Unit: 1 Scots Guards


    London Gazette : 7 December 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36828/supplement/5613/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    The Military Medal.
    No. 7884049 Sergeant A ndrew Cockburn, Guards (Kilmarnock).
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2021
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    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Cockburn, Andrew
    Rank: Serjeant
    Service No: 7884049
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 07 December 1944
    Date 1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/8


    24th Guards Brigade, 6th SA Armoured Division, 13 Corps
    7884049 Sergeant Andrew COCKBURN, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    In the SARTEANO Sector of the Brigade front, the Battalion was ordered to attack and capture Point 846 - the keystone of the German defensive positions. After bitter fighting the feature was captured on the afternoon of 26th June 1944.

    On consolidation, Sergeant COCKBURN, who was in charge of a M.M.G. section, was ordered to take his guns to a forward company area. The only positions from which he could carry out his defensive fire task was on the very forward edge of the feature. This position was known to be accurately registered and under heavy and constant mortar and shell fire. Without hesitation he immediately took up position in this area.

    During the night all but one of his section were killed or wounded - he himself being wounded in the early stages of the action. In spite of his wound he insisted on remaining in charge of things until he was satisfied that another section had established itself in his section's position. Then he allowed himself to be evacuated.

    The courage, devotion to duty and utter disregard for his own safety of this NCO has always been remarkable, but on this occasion was quite outstanding.

    Signed R.D. CARDIFF, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    Granted an Immediate M.M.


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    Last edited: Sep 7, 2021
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    OFFICERS AND MEN OF 24 GUARDS BRIGADE RECEIVE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
    © IWM NA 18958
    Object description
    Original wartime caption: Sgt. Andrew Cockburn, 1st Btn. Scots Guards, of Kilmarknock, Scotland, receiving the ribbon of the M.M. During an attack on Pt.846 in the Sarteano area, Sgt. Cockburn took his M.G. section to an exposed spot under heavy mortar and shell fire to carry out a defensive fire task in support of the attacking troops. All but one of his section were killed and wounded and he himself wounded, but he insisted on remaining in charge until the action was complete.
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