Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Captain G. E. Cockerill, 1st/16th Battalion London Regiment (Queen’s Westminster Rifles), who was wounded and taken prisoner on the 1st day of the battle of the Somme and died of his wounds two days later

1914-15 Star (Capt., 16/Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); Memorial Plaque (George Edward Cockerill) nearly extremely fine (5) £500-600

George Edward was born in Peckham, Surrey, the eldest son of George E. and Edith Cockerill. Serving as a Captain in the 1/16th Battalion London Regiment, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war. In command of “B” Company, he led his men in the attack at Gommecourt during the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. In the attack Captain Cockerill was dangerously wounded. He died of his wounds on 3 July 1916, aged 38 years, whilst a prisoner-of-war. He was buried in the Vaulx Hill Cemetery.

Sold with a fine gilt framed photograph of the recipient, a (damaged) leather case for the Memorial Plaque, and copied research including a copy commemorative scroll.

See lot 936 for medals to his brother, Percy Lawrence Cockerill.