Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Eritrean Campaign’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. H. Platt, Royal Engineers, for gallantry during the final attack on Cheren Gorge in March 1941 whilst attached to King George V’s Own Bengal Sappers & Miners

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1941; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut. J. R. H. Platt, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Lt. Col. J. R. H. Platt, M.C. R.E.); Coronation 1953, mounted as worn, together with matching set of mounted miniature medals, ribbon bar and two brass belt buckles, extremely fine (Lot) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 30 December 1941: ‘In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, The Western Desert, The Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk) during the period February, 1941, to July, 1941. - Captain (Acting Major) John Richard Hooke Platt, Corps of Royal Engineers (attached King George Vs Own Bengal Sappers and Miners).’ The recommendation states:

‘On night of 18/19 March Major Platt led a demolition party of 2 Fd Coy S.M. on to the road block in the CHEREN gorge. This party came under fire from hand grenades and machine guns at close range and was withdrawn under difficult circumstances without loss owing to Major Platt’s cool leadership.

On 25 March, during the final attack on CHEREN gorge Major Platt again led this demolition party on the road block, keeping parallel with the attacking infantry, blew a number of charges while the attack was in progress and remained working all day under fire. On 26 March he was again on duty at the road block and set a fine example under heavy fire, encouraging his men and showing a complete disregard of personal danger until finally he was wounded. Major Platt’s personal example contributed largely to the success of the operation.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 February 1938 (North West Frontier).

John Richard Hooke Platt was born on 29 October 1908, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, R.E., on 30 August 1928; Lieut, 30 August 1931; Captain, 1 August 1938; Major, 30 August 1945; Lieutenant-Colonel, 10 October 1950. General Staff Officer Grade 1, Far East Land Forces, 7 December 1948 to 4 August 1951.