Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Great War M.C. and Second War Bar group of eight awarded to Second Lieutenant C. N. G. Koch, Northumberland Fusiliers and King’s African Rifles

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the bar officially dated ‘1942’; 1914-15 Star (2.Lieut. C. N. G. Koch, North’d Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. N. G. Koch); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (8) £2000-2500

M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919: T/Lt. (A/Capt.) Cyril Noel Godfrey Kock, 12th/13th Bn., North’d Fus., attd. 62nd L.T.M. By.:-

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26th September, 1918, in the fighting near Gouzeaucourt, when his battery was working in close co-operation with the infantry in the attack on African Trench. After a most effective barrage in support of the attack, seeing that the left and centre companies were held up, he rushed forward with one mortar, and, working up a trench, shelled the enemy out, although freely exposed to machine-gun fire. His coolness and judgment were largely responsible for the gaining of the objective.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 30 December 1941: Second Lieutenant Cyril Noel Godfrey Koch, M.C., The King’s African Rifles.

The recommendation states: ‘For highly distinguished services and gallantry in action. For several weeks this officer has lived and fought alone with a detachment of Abyssinian Irregulars in areas far from the nearest Regular Troops.

Displaying the greatest resources and initiative this very gallant officer has carried out constant forrays on enemy columns and posts. His unflagging energy and tireless efforts, under circumstances always trying and difficult, have done much to undermine the enemy’s determination and damage his morale.’