British General Service Medal & Malaya Bar Gnr Cotterell RA Artillery

The British General Service Medal with the Malaya Bar awarded to Gunner Cotterell of the Royal Artillery is a distinguished military decoration. This medal signifies service in recognized military campaigns and operations, particularly in Malaya between 1948 and 1960 during the Malayan Emergency, a guerrilla war fought between Commonwealth armed forces and the Malayan National Liberation Army. The Royal Artillery, where Gunner Cotterell served, played a crucial role in these operations, providing vital artillery support. The medal itself typically features the effigy of the reigning monarch on the obverse and an appropriate campaign design on the reverse. The attached ‘Malaya’ clasp indicates Gunner Cotterell’s active participation in this particular theatre of conflict, marking his contribution to restoring peace and stability in the region. This medal is not only a testament to individual bravery and service but also a piece of historical military heritage.