A fine Boer War D.C.M. and ‘Prince of Wales’ Tour 1921-22’ R.V.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant H. C. Cook, 9th Lancers, who was decorated for ‘conspicuous gallantry in the capture of Lotter’s Commando’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (Serjt: H. C. Cook. 9th Lancers); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (3610 Corpl: H. C. Cook. 9th Lancers); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3610 Serjt: H. C. Cook. 9th Lancers.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Condr. H. C. Cook, Remt. Dept.); Royal Victorian Medal, Silver, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (Staff-Serjt. H. C. Cook India Misc List); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Sub: Condr: H. C. Cook. I.M.L.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (8) £2400-2800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 9th and 12th Lancers.

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D.C.M. 11 October 1901; details London Gazette 3 December 1901:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in the capture of Lotter’s Commando near Pietersburg, Cape Colony, on 5th September 1901.’

For this action the D.C.M. was awarded to Sergeant Beckett (see previous Lot) and Sergeant Cook of the 9th Lancers, and to Private Haines of the Cape Mounted Rifles (see Lot 409).

Henry Charles Cook was born on 12 February 1874 and enlisted for the 9th Lancers in 1893. As a Sergeant he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry during the Boer War (Queen’s medal with 7 clasps, King’s medal with 2 clasps).

During the Great War Cook served as a Staff-Sergeant in the Remount Department, India Miscellaneous List, and later as a Sub-Conductor. He was appointed Conductor in May 1921, and Assistant Commissary with rank of Lieutenant in January 1926. He was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in Silver whilst Conductor in Charge, Stable Establishment, during H.R.H. The Prince of Wales’s Tour of 1921-22.

The group is sold with framed photograph of the Prince of Wales, the frame with his gilt monogram and crest, and Cook’s ‘Pass Card’ for the Prince’s Tour giving him admission to the Royal Camp throughout the tour.