Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second War ‘Burma operations’ Immediate M.C. and post-war Immediate Q.P.M. for Gallantry group of eight awarded to Assistant Superintendent of Police J. C. Willcock, Sierra Leone Police, late Captain, 10th Gurkhas, and Federation of Malaya Police

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1945; Colonial Police Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue, for Gallantry (Asst. Supt. John C. Willcock, Sierra Leone Police); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (A.S.P. J. C. Willcock. F of M. Pol.); Sierra Leone Independence Medal 1961, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (8) £2,600-£3,000

M.C. London Gazette 24 May 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Lieutenant John Charles Willcock (E.C. 11030), 10th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.’

The original recommendation, for an Immediate award of the M.C., states: ‘On the morning of February 26th [1945], “D” Company, 1/10 Gurkha Rifles was ambushed 3 miles north of Taungtha and the company commander killed. Lieutenant Willcock at once took over command of the company who were in considerable difficulties as they were pinned frontally and overlooked from both flanks. He quickly rallied his men, got the transport away, and established contact with his Battalion in Taungtha.
An armoured force was at once sent to the assistance of “D” Company and contact was established at Ms45/5 about 1200hrs. On arrival of the leading troop of tanks Lieutenant Willcock though being heavily sniped at once walked over to the outside telephone on the troop commander’s tank, and though he knew his men were tired and short of ammunition, Lieutenant Willcock and the tank commander made a joint plan for a counter-attack. The attack was very quickly organised and went in with great dash largely because of the fearless leadership of Lieutenant Willcock, the result being that some 50 Japanese were killed and the remainder fled to the nearby hills.
Throughout the day Lieutenant Willcock, who had not previously been in battle, set a magnificent example to “D” Company, and his conduct has been the subject of comment throughout the squadron of Royal Deccan Horse who supported him.’

C.P.M for Gallantry London Gazette 9 October 1956: Immediate award of Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry to Assistant Superintendent John Charles Willcock, Sierra Leone Police Force.’

The following Obituary notice gives some background to the award of the C.P.M. for gallantry:

‘Willy’ Wilcock, or John Charles Willcock, MC, CPM late Captain 1st/10th Gurkha Rifles and Assistant Superintendent Colonial Police (Malaya and Sierra Leone) to give him his full name and distinctions, was not a member of the Association but will, be remembered by several members who knew him. Son of a doctor in Leeds he was born in 1926, educated at Epsom College and joined the Indian Army in 1942. After commissioning in the 1st/10th Gurkha Rifles he was on active service in Burma from 1943 and won a very good MC in his first action when his company were ambushed and their experienced company commander killed. Willy took command, rallied the company and when a relief force of tanks arrived displayed complete coolness when planning a joint counter attack and fearless leadership and dash when leading his men in their assault which routed the enemy. He was awarded an immediate MC.

In 1949 he joined the Federation of Malaya Police and saw service in the field and on the staff supporting the administration of jungle forts. We lack details of this service but one who met him was impressed by his luxuriant moustache and his ability to munch raw chillies as lesser men munch peanuts. In 1854 he transferred to Sierra Leone where he remained until independence in 1962. From December 1955 to March 1956 there were serious disturbances amounting to rebellion in the Protectorate. Willy gained his CPM for gallantry having, in the words of a Force Order, ‘commanded operational units over a prolonged period. His personal courage and leadership were an inspiration to his men. He was wounded in action at Balanaers where his unit was attacked. The rebels were defeated and many arrests made. This action sealed the end of the disorders.’

Still under forty when he left government service he became secretary of the golf club at Saltford in the west country where he remained, a confirmed bachelor living in the club house and happy in a wide circle of friends, until his death in 2003. The fact that a plaque was put up in the club house referring to his service in the East and quoting from the citation for his MC attests to the popularity and the respect in which he was held. In the early 1990s he made contact with a Gurkha battalion of the British Army serving in England and was treated as an honoured guest when he visited their camp. This established a regular link withg the golf club which Gurkhas visited when they were represented at Willy’s funeral.’

Willy Willcock died at Bath in October 2003, aged 79.