***SOLD***

Offered is an exceptionally rare and historic WW2 Australian group of medals and ephemera relating to the first Australian Pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in action in WW2, to Squadron Leader John Reynolds Cock D.F.C. Cock was one of the first Australian fighter Ace's with 11 confirmed kills and one of the first Australian recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The medal group consists of the following:

Cased Distinguished Flying Cross, with 1940 engraved to base of the rear of the cross. The ribbon has the named 'Caterpillar Club' badge pinned.

1939-45 Star, with 'Battle of Britain' clasp, Air Crew Europe Star, with 'France & Germany' bar, The Pacific Star, The Defence Medal and The 1939-45 Medal. (Medals are un-named as issued).
Also included is a lot of badges, buttons and ephemera, including a framed/signed print relating to him parachuting from his Hurricane Fighter and subsequent finding of this plane and being presented with the original gunsight (which was mounted and included in this lot).
This lot is fresh from the daughter of the recipient, SQDN LDR Cock was the first Australian pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in WW2, was one of only 32 Australian pilot's to take part in aerial combat with the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain and baled out of 2 aircraft to safety. In terms of an historic Australian group and investment for the future, you simply cannot go much further than this. Please contact Jamey Blewitt for the purchase price for the group and or to arrange an appointment to view this for purchase. As mentioned, this has never been outside of the family and to own such an historic group would be a milestone in any collection.

BIOGRAPHY:
Born: Renmark, SA 1918. John Cock sailed to England in 1938 to take up a short service commission. After receiving his wings he was posted to No. 87 Squadron which was sent to France as a part of the Advanced Air Strike Force. After the start of hostillities he scored five confimed victories. Back in England he was shot down over Portland Bill on 11th August, baling out with light injuries. His Hurricane 7233 was recovered by archealogists in the 1980's. By October 1940, he had claimed 10 victories (but would not make any more claims during the war). He was then sent off to become an instructor and was from then off attached to several squadrons in the UK and in Australia. He was released form the RAF in 1948 and returned home to Australia.

Promotions:

7 May, 1938: Acting Pilot officer (probation)
3 September, 1940: Flying Officer
1942: Fllight Lieutenant
1 January 1944: Temporary Squadron Leader
9 May, 1946: As Fit. Lts. extended service (four years on the active -list)
20 janaury 1948: commission relinquished.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)Rank:Flying OfficerAwarded on:October 25th, 1940Action:Citation:
"This officer has destroyed seven enemy aircraft.
In August, 1940, when in action against a large formation of enemy aircraft, he attacked and destroyed a Junkers 88. During this combat he was attacked from below and his aircraft caught fire. Though wounded, he escaped by parachute and fell into the sea, but saved himself by swimming ashore.
Flying Officer Cock has shown magnificent courage and initiative against overwhelming odds."Details:The Investiture took place on 25 October 1940 at Buckingham Palace.