A fine Second War 'North West Europe' M.C. group of eight awarded to Major P. H. Hocquard,...

A fine Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Major P. H. Hocquard, South Wales Borderers Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Major P. H. Hocqvard. [sic] M.C. S.W.B.) very fine (8) £1,800-£2,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 2 August 1945. ‘In the advance on Abbendorf on 22 April 1945 Major Hocquard was commanding the leading company consisting only of Company HQ and two platoons. As they approached the village his leading platoon came under heavy fire from an enemy machine gun and from an 88 mm covering a road block. In a very short time the platoon had suffered ten casualties and was unable to advance. Quickly deciding on a plan, Major Hocquard went forward to the leading platoon, and in spite of the heavy and accurate fire around him explained exactly to the platoon commander and his platoon what his plan was to be. He then returned to his company HQ and personally led them and the remaining platoon commanded by a Corporal into the attack. Working his way round the enemy positions he entered the village from the rear, and systematically destroyed the enemy in a house to house search. Throughout this operation, when he was always at the head of his men, he was frequently under fire from snipers and heavy mortar concentrations. By his personal courage and example, when the men were really tired after a long period of continuous advances, he kept up the momentum of the attack and secured his objective. He gallantry and leadership on this, was far beyond the demands of duty.’ Philip Hacquoil Hocquard was born in St. Helier, Jersey, on 13 May 1919. Commissioned into the South Wales Borderers on 1 July 1939, he served during the Second War with the 4th Battalion and continued to served post war. Advanced Major he saw further service in Malaya during the Emergency and died in Jersey, aged 79, on 11 November 1998. He is buried in Almorah cemetery, St. Helier. Sold with copied gazette entry, copied citation, and a copied photograph of the recipient in uniform.