Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War M.C. group of five attributed to Major R. W. Cook, Northamptonshire Regiment, who died on active service in Italy in May 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1943’, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, together with the recipient’s original Army Council condolence slip in the name of ‘Major R. W. Cook, M.C.’, and the addressed lid of his campaign medal forwarding box, extremely fine (5)
£600-800

M.C. London Gazette 15 June 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘Major R .W. Cook commanded one of the forward companies during the assault of Dj Bettiour on the night 13-14 April 1943. The objective was a rocky massif with precipitous slopes, which had to be sealed by the assaulting infantry in order to rout out the enemy: who were holding the highest points of the feature.

Major Cook led his men up the cliffs and by skilful climbing managed to get a foothold on the most dangerous left flank of the feature. Here he encountered an enemy heavy machine-gun which he overran in a charge with his men. The machine-gun was put out of action and some of the enemy were killed and eight or nine made prisoners. This action was the direct means of bringing about the collapse of the enemy resistance on this part of the mountain.

On the following afternoon, Major Cook led two companies of his own regiment and two companies of the Lancashire Fusiliers into an attack on a point which was being used by the enemy as an Observation Post for artillery and mortars. By the skilful dispositioning of his force, Major Cook gained his objective, although suffering heavily from hostile mortars. Artillery fire from his right flank hindered consolidation of ground won and eventually brought about the necessity to withdraw the companies from the exposed ground which had previously been occupied. This withdrawal was carried out in perfect order and it was undoubtedly due to Major Cook's cool-headedness and power of command that the situation was kept completely under command and losses minimised.

Throughout the campaign Major Cook has shown splendid leadership and during the actions fought by his battalion between 7 and 15 April, his stamina, cheerfulness and resource have been a magnificent example to everyone.

It is most strongly recommended that Major Cook be given an immediate award of the Military Cross.’

Reginald Wilfred Cook was serving in the 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, at the time of the above deeds, and was similarly employed when he died on active service in Italy on 15 May 1944, aged 32 years. The son of Mrs. R. Cook and stepson of Mr. S. Houghton, and husband of L. Cook of Hereford, he was buried in Cassino War Cemetery.