Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War ‘Burma’ operations M.C. group of five awarded to Major H. C. Cotman, King’s Regiment, attached 4th Bombay Grenadiers, for service in support of tanks of the 3rd Carabiniers in the advance from Kalewa to Tharrawaddy during the Spring Offensive of 1945

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1946’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, all unnamed, mounted court style for wear, extremely fine (5) £1000-1400

M.C. London Gazette 17 January 1946. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma’.

Recommendation reads, ‘This officer has been in command of a company acting in continuous close support and protection to the tanks of the 3rd Carabiniers during the 650 mile advance from Kalewa to Tharrawaddy. His inspiring leadership, unfailing courage, and selfless devotion to duty could not have been surpassed. During Feb., March, and April (1945) he led his company into action 46 times, always showing an entire disregard for his personal safety. On countless occasions he has, by his keen foresight and tactical ability, anticipated and prevented enemy attacks on individual tanks. It is entirely due to his efforts that there has not been one single casualty from tank-hunting parties. The tank commanders with whom he has co-operated cannot speak too highly of his work, and he has won the confidence and admiration of all. His exceptional conduct and fine example deserve the highest praise.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 July 1945.

Humphrey Cauldwell Cotman, from Preston, was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the King’s Regiment (Liverpool) on 21 September 1940. He was promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant and Temporary Captain on 3 July 1941. Latterly a Temporary Major attached to the 4th Bombay Grenadiers.

Sold with Military Cross case of issue and card box of issue, together with ‘Buckingham Palace’ forwarding slip named to ‘Major H. C. Cotman, M.C., The King’s Regiment’; card forwarding box for the W.W.2 medals addressed to ‘Major H. C. Cotman, M.C., Greenridges, 15 ...... Way, Sevenoaks (?), Kent’ [partially scribbled over]; War Office forwarding slip for M.I.D. oak leaves, awarded to ‘T/Major H. C. Cotman, King’s R.’, giving London Gazette date; additional M.I.D. emblems (2); a handwritten note (written by the recipient?) reading, ‘Spinel from the mines at Mogol, Burma’; together with copied research.