The good Brigadier had demonstrated some carelessness in the Wildian sense, losing his armoured brigade twice to the Axis in the space of six weeks during CRUSADER. He seems to disappear from command in February 1942, but I understand from Steen he did not retire until November 1945. What kind of jobs did he have after 22 Armoured Brigade? Many thanks in advance! All the best Andreas
Taken from the London Gazette 20 January 1942: Does the "late" part infer that he had moved from R.A.C?
His DSO shows up in the same LG as the one with his MiD - plus it provides his full name: War Office. 20th January, 1942. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East: The Distinguished Service Order. Brigadier (temporary) John Scott Cockburn, M.C. (9387), late Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars) (Lower Garden, Malpas, Cheshire). Personally, I think that as a Brigadier he would have been appointed to the Staff Corps - therefore he was no longer (technically) an officer within the RAC, even though he was in charge of an armoured unit.
According to the LG nothing happens for the next few years until his retirement in November 1945, no real clues in the notice either (except he is still listed as regular army, rather than in a reserve capacity or somesuch): War Office, 6th November, 1945. REGULAR ARMY. Col. (Temp. Brig.) G. W. PALMER, C.B.E. (11379), is granted the actg. rank of Maj.-Gen., 1st Sept. 1945 Col. J. S. COCKBURN, D.S.O., M.C. (9387), retires on ret. pay, 4th Nov. 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Brig. Col. G. STREETEN, C.B.E., M.C. (5217), retires on ret. pay, 6th Nov. 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Brig.
Ah - his full name was already known as per your post elsewhere: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=52&p=1848949
Taken from the London Gazette 20 January 1942: Quote Does the "late" part infer that he had moved from R.A.C? Late is military speak is what an officer is designated when he is promoted from Lt Col to Col and becomes a General Staff Officer. Lt Col Cockburn of the Hussars becomes Col Cockburn of the General Staff and so the words 'late' are placed after his name so that readers can see his origins and military experience. The system is still in use today. FdeP
Thanks everybody! Steen indicates on AHF that from May 1945, just before retirement, he was Officer in Charge of Records, The Drill Hall, Barnet. http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=205095 On a speculative note, it appears to me that he must have gotten close to be given a bowler hat then after his performance in CRUSADER? All the best Andreas
