Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Lieutenant-Colonel G. J. S. Cotton, Lincolnshire Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for service in Malaya

1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasp, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major. G. J. S. Cotton. R. Lincolns.) good very fine (5) £240-£280

M.I.D. London Gazette 20 December 1957:
‘For gallant and distinguished conduct in operations in Malaya.’

Godfrey James Somerville Cotton was born in Nigeria on 29 August 1916, and was Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment on 28 January 1937. He was promoted Lieutenant on 28 January 1940, Captain on 28 January 1945, and Temporary Major, 20 July 1945. Although his service during the Second World War has not been confirmed, the presence of just the Burma Star, strongly suggests he served in the 1st Battalion. Stationed in India at the outbreak of the War, the 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment’s first active service was in Burma in 1942. As part of the 71st Indian Brigade, 26th Indian Division, they took part in the first, second and third Arakan Offensives, capture of Akyab Island, battle of Admin Box, the battle of Ramree Island and operation Dracula. It seems for at least part of his service during the Second World War, Cotton served as a War Substantive Captain. Whilst in Malaya at least, Cotton, having been confirmed Major in 1950, is noted as commanding ‘C’ Company, before taking over as Second in Command of the regiment in Malaya, on 1 May 1956. For his services during the conflict, he was Mentioned in Despatches. The Lincolns became part of the 2nd East Anglian Regiment later in Cotton’s career and retired as a Lieutenant-Colonel of this Regiment on 4 April 1963. He died in Bath, Somerset in December 1994.