Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

"B" Squadron, 7th Queen's Own Hussars, 7th Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

November 29th, 1940

Sergeant Cowley died heroically fighting a rearguard action against advancing Japanese troops thus enabling others to escape.
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On 15 July 1940 "B" Squadron 7th Hussars under Capt. P.Pitman Buttler, attacked an enemy lorry column protected by field artillery and A/T guns.

During the action and when actually among the enemy gun positions, Capt. Putman Butler was severely wounded.

Cpl. Cowley who was wireless operator in the squadron leaders tank with complete disregard for his won life & safety, got on to the outside of his tank & supported Capt. Pitman Butler, thus preventing him from either falling out of his tank or into the well of the tank.

While he was doing this Cpl. Cowley was wounded in the leg out in spite of this, Cpl. Cowley remained supporting Capt. Putman Butler until his tank got well out range of the enemy guns."