Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma campaign Immediate M.C. and post-war Gallantry Q.P.M. group of eight awarded to Assistant Superintendent of Police J. C. Willcock, Sierra Leone Police, late Lieutenant, 10th Gurkhas, and Federation of Malaya Police

Military Cross, G.VI.R. 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) £1800-2200

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.’

Q.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 recommendation for the Immediate award of the M.C. states:

‘On the morning of February 26th, “D” Coy. 1/10 Gurkha Rifles was ambushed 3 miles north of TAUNGTHA and the company commander killed. Lt. 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 Bn. 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 Lt. 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, Lt. 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 Lt. Willcock, the result being that some 50 Japanese were killed and the remainder fled to the nearby hills.

Throughout the day Lt. 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.’