A scarce posthumous South African Police Star for Outstanding Service awarded to Constable M. A. J. Cockrell, who was fatally wounded during a ‘shoot-out’ with a notorious gang trying the rob a bank in Cape Town, 3 September 1987

South African Police Star For Outstanding Service, silver-gilt and enamel (W415111R Konst. M A H [sic] Cockrell (Postuum)), lacking riband, good very fine £800-1200

Martin Albert Jones Cockrell was jointly listed for the South African Police Star for Outstanding Service with Constable B. E. Dark and Reserve Constable W. E. Schluter. The citation is a follows:

‘On Thursday 3 September 1987, constables Dark and Cockrell and R/Constable Schluter, displayed particular gallantry during a shoot out with a notorious gang of robbers who were in the process of robbing the First National Bank in Mowbray, Cape Town.

The members confronted the robbers at close quarters after they emerged from the bank. A gun-fight ensued during which constable Cockrell was fatally wounded and R/Constable Schluter seriously injured. Constable Dark eventually managed to disarm and arrest one of the robbers who had been armed with a shotgun.

For their devotion to duty and particular gallantry, Constable Brian Edward Dark, Reserve Constable Wayne Edward Schluter, and Constable Martin Albert Jones Cockrell (posthumously) were awarded the South African Police Star for Outstanding Service on 27 January 1989. (Force Order 24/1989)’

This award existed in this format between 1979-1989, during which period ‘42 awards were made in recognition of acts of gallantry, 2 posthumously (41 to members of the police and reserve police and 1 to a civilian) 3 Bars were awarded.’ (Gallantry Awards of the South African Police 1913-1994, T. King, refers)