A good Second World War B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant Edward Cook, Warwickshire Yeomanry (R.A.C.), who ‘showed the greatest personal courage’ at El Alamein

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (547262 Sgt. Edward Cook); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with 8th Army clasp and ‘8’ emblem; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial, with three rosettes on riband (547262 Sgt. E. Cook, Warwick. Yeo.), good very fine (7) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals The Property of a Gentleman.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 14 June 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Sergeant Cook joined the unit in 1927 and was promoted Sergeant in 1935. For 17 years he has given devoted and whole-hearted service to the Regiment. At El Alamein, he was in charge of a Squadron echelon and greatly distinguished himself by his ability to get up to his squadron at all times of the day and night and under any conditions. He was frequently under very heavy shell fire while bringing his echelon up and replenishing Miteiriya Ridge. He was always an example to his men and showed the greatest personal courage and initiative. During the Regiment’s campaign in Italy from Cas to the Gothic Line, he was again in charge of his Squadron echelon and proved himself to be tireless and fearless under any conditions. His services to the Regiment have been a record of unselfish and capable hard work and he has undoubtedly served to the utmost of his ability for 17 years.’

Edward “Teddy” Cook served in ‘C’ Squadron, Warwickshire Yeomanry during the last War, which unit served in Palestine, Iran, Iraq and Syria 1939-41, prior to becoming a tank unit. First going into action at the commencement of El Alamein in October 1942, the Warwickshire Yeomanry’s tanks reached the east side of Miteiriya Ridge, and it was here, under very heavy fire, that Cook brought up vital supplies. Remaining actively employed in the Middle East, he and his comrades were next embarked for Italy, landing at Taranto in May 1944, the beginning of a long, hard fought campaign, ferocious actions at Ficulle, Macchie and elsewhere resulting in the loss of 18 tanks in June alone. Cook and his comrades were finally withdrawn from front line duties near Florence in September; sold with a biographical note and unit history.