The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Cocker, William Gordon Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2699424 Regiment: First Battalion Scots Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 February 1945 Date 1944-1945 Catalogue reference WO 373/9 24th Guards Brigade, 6th SA Armoured Division, 6 American Corps 2699424 Guardsman William Gordon COCKER, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS At M. CATARELTO on 1st October 1944, Left Flank having attacked the hill, were holding a very exposed position on its edge. This Guardsman was acting as Platoon runner. One of the sections was in a highly exposed position having had no time to dig in, and during a heavy cannonade of Mortar and Small arms fire, the N.C.O. in command and the No. 1 of the Bren Gun became casualties. This Guardsman, with another man at once dashed up to the gun, which they saw was covering a vital sector, into which the enemy were infiltrating in strength. For a long time they remained in this dangerous position, inflicting casualties on the enemy and passing back valuable information. When a direct hit killed his companion and destroyed the Bren Gun, Guardsman COCKER remained up there, sniping the Germans with his rifle and causing considerable delay and confusion amongst them. The enemy were also creeping up on his right and throwing Grenades over the crest. COCKER was finally ordered back and he at once took up a position on the left rear of the platoon, when he saw enemy attempting to creep round to the rear and his accurate fire forestalled their attempts. All this involved much movement, from one exposed area to another and constant great danger from Snipers and Mortar fire. In his complete disregard for personal safety, Guardsman COCKER caused a decisive delay to the Germans and enabled the position to beheld for yet another two hours. Signed R.D. CARDIFF, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS Granted an Immediate M.M.
