Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Army Best Shot Medal Pair awarded to Inspector H. R. Cooke, British South African Police

Colonial Police L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (3427 Insp. Henry R. Cooke, B.S.A. Police); Army Best Shot, E.II.R. (3427 Insp. H. R. Cooke B.S.A. Police) last lacking dated bar, mounted for wear, 1st very fine, last extremely fine (2) £1,000-£1,400

Henry Roper Cooke served in the British South Africa Police, and was obviously a fine shot as he won Best Shot in the Corps in 1936, 1938 and 1953 (having been runner up in 1952). Cooke was the winner of the Queen’s Medal for Shooting, Southern Rhodesian Forces in 1952, 1 of only 2 to the B.S.A. Police, and the first to be awarded the Queen’s Medal (given Queen Elizabeth’s recent ascendance to the throne).

Cooke advanced to Inspector and served in the Umtali District. He retired to Enkeldoorn in 1954, and continued to serve as a Police Reservist. He was the Police Reserve Champion Shot in 1960 and 1963.

Sold with extensive copied research, including several photographic images of recipient.