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Rank : Sergeant

Army Number : 4861730

Unit : 7th Bn

Biography :

Herbert Cowie enlisted 19.3.1940. Served with Leicestershire Regiment during World War Two. Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished conduct while Platoon Sergeant, 17 Column, 2nd Leicesters (Chindits), Burma, 1944 (L.G. 26.4.1945). Awarded M.M. for his actions as Platoon Sergeant, 2nd Leicesters (Chindits), Auktaw, Burma, on 22.3.1944 (and before) (L.G. 13.9.1945). Class 'A' released Z(T) 19.3.1947. Discharged 204-6a 25.8.1948.
He died in 2005, aged 89 years

His Military Medal citation reads "On 23rd March 1944, the Column of which this NCO was a member encountered a strong force of the enemy near the village of Auktaw in Burma. During the course of the action, the Column was held up by a group of enemy strongly entrenched in a prepared position. Sergeant Cowie immediately organised an attack, and himself personally led a bayonet charge by two sections against the position. This charge was exceedingly successful; his men got in with the bayonet, killing several of the enemy; and the remainder left their defences and ran, although they considerably outnumbered Sgt. Cowie's men. By the successful handling of his men and by his own gallant conduct, he contributed materially to the clearing of the whole locality, enabling his Column to continue its advance without further interference. Earlier in the campaign, during an arduous approach march to the River Chindwin across seventy miles of jungle-covered and precipitous mountain, Sgt. Cowie was prominent in cutting the trail and helping with the animals. He also rendered remarkable service at the crossing of the River. Throughout the campaign he set an outstanding example to all NCOs and men."

This page was last edited on 28.7.2020

Date of Birth : 25.3.1916

Date of Death : Nov 2005

Place of Death : York

Period of Service : 1940-46

Conflicts : WW2

Places Served : England, North Africa, Ceylon, India, Burma