Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Italy operations immediate M.C. group of six awarded to Captain H. A. Cole, Royal Army Medical Corps

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, together with related Sheffield University (Faculty of Medicine) Walter S. Kay Gold Medal (For the Study of Mental Diseases), silver-gilt, the reverse engraved, ‘Hubert Archibald Cole, 1936’, in its fitted case of issue, good very fine and better (7) £600-800

M.C. London Gazette 24 May 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘During the fighting around Pideura between 7-14 December 1944, he performed his duties with very great gallantry. Although his Regimental Aid Post was subjected to heavy and continuous shell fire and received more than one direct hit, Captain Cole coolly and tirelessly carried out his task of treating a considerable number of casualties.

Once, when one of the forward companies had suffered heavy casualties from mortar fire and, owing to road congestion, they could not be evacuated quickly, Captain Cole unhesitatingly went forward alone in daylight to recover and tend to them, moving from position to position under heavy fire. Never once did the enemy mortar fire stop him from his task.

His work throughout the period was of the highest order and has called for the highest degree of personal courage. His efforts on behalf of the wounded were indefatigable and his example was an inspiration not only to his Medical Orderlies, but to all ranks of the Battalion.’

Hubert Archibald Cole, a native of Rotheram, was Medical Officer to the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Royal Regiment, a component of 25th Infantry Brigade, 10th Indian Division, 5 Corps, at the time of the above related deeds.