Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

No. 9 Commando, 2nd Special Service Brigade, Land Forces Adriatic (LFA), British Army

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1949

"9 Commando operated as advance guard of British Forces during the re-occupation and liberation of Greece which started in September 1944. The unit first landed at KITHERA on 5 September and continued to pass through Greece until the final occupation of SALONIKA on 5 November 44. The dates of the more important events during the above move were as follows:

First landing in Greece - KITHERA - 15 Sep 44
Landed POROS - 1 Oct 44
Landed PIRAIEUS and occupied ATHENS - 14 Oct 44
Landed SKIATHOS - 29 Oct 44
Landed and occupied SALONICA - 5 Nov 44

During the period that the Unit was travelling through GREECE, the administrative problems and difficulties which had to be dealt with were at times almost insurmountable. Captain COCHRANE at the time was the Administrative Officer of the Unit, was handled all his difficulties with remarkable ability and conscientiousness, with the result that the unit was able to move fast enough to ATHENS and SALONICA in time to prevent the outbreak of civil war.

Whenever possible the unit did all it could to feed, cloth and general assist the Greek civilian population with what stored were available from Unit resources. These resources were eventually augmented by Red Cross supplies, and Capt COCHRANE was entirely responsible for the general issue, allocation and distribute of the supplies to needy Greek civilians. In spite of his own Unit responsibilities and perpetual obstruction from ELAS, Capt COCHRANE did a great deal towards the relief of civil wants and distress wherever the unit was stationed, and there is no doubt that his hard work prevented a great deal of suffering among the Greek population at a critical period."