Lot 403

Artillery officers sword given to Lieutenant Cockaday, Blade inscribed ' Lieut W.G.C. Cockaday R.F.A from The Officers XXVth Bda R.F.A As a Mark of Esteem' William Godfrey Charles Cockaday was born on 5 February 1872. Serving 22 years in the ranks of the Royal Field Artillery, he attained the rank of Serjeant-Major in December 1908. He was commissioned a Lieutenant (District Officer) in 1912. Serving in the Great War, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 15th October 1914, and in March 1915 was appointed a Temporary Captain. For his wartime services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 19th October, 1916) and awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 23 November 1916). He was promoted to Captain in December 1919 and Major in April 1923. He retired on 6 February 1927