Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War ‘Nyasaland Rhodesia Field Force’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant Major A. Cowl, South African Signal Service, attached 1st South African Rifles, late Royal Engineers, who was also twice M.I.D. during the Great War

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (177 Sjt: A. Cowl. 1/S.A. Rif:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Johannesburg (1169. Sapr. A. Cowl. R.E.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (1169 Sapr A. Cowl. R.E.); 1914-15 Star (Cpl A. Cowl S.A.F.T & P.C.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals, with loose M.I.D. oak leaves (2nd C/W.O. A. Cowl. 1st S.A.R.) generally good very fine (6) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 May 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in repairing a telegraph line. He constantly worked in close proximity to the enemy and maintained communication with HQ at isolate posts with enemy all round.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 September 1917 and 31 January 1919.

Alfred Cowl was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in May 1874. He served with the 1st Telegraph Division, Royal Engineers during the Second Boer War, and stayed in South Africa after the war. Cowl attested for the Transvaal Signals in August 1914, and was subsequently transferred to the South African Telegraph and Postal Corps. He advanced to Corporal and served in German South West Africa, before re-attesting with the Nyasaland Imperial Service Contingent (Signals Section). Cowl served in East Africa proceeding on Special Duty to Florence Bay per SS Chauncey Maples in January 1916. He advanced to Company Sergeant Major in May 1917, and was immediately transferred to the Nyasaland Rhodesia Field Force (Telegraphic Section).

Cowl transferred as Sergeant Major to the South African Signal Service in January 1918. He contracted Malaria, and was discharged in December 1919. He died in Johannesburg in June 1946.

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