'For gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on Messines on the 7th of June 1917, 2/Lieut. Cockerell had passed over a trench, and turning round, saw several Germans preparing to fire on our troops who had passed over. This Officer immediately shot two of them with his rifle, the remainder being dealt with by the "moppers up". Throughout the day this officer displayed great courage and set a fine example to his men during the consolidation. Subsequently, on the night of 14th/15th June 1917, in the Warneton sector south of the river Douve, 2/Lieut. Cockerell was ordered to take his platoon forward at very short notice to capture Sunken Farm which task had originally been allotted to another unit. This task he successfully carried out under heavy Machine Gun fire. In spite of heavy shelling the platoon dug itself in, subsequently was shelled out, and immediately re-dug itself in to a position on a flank and at dawn accounted for several of the enemy in a local counter-attack.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 28 December 1917.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While he was endeavouring to fill a gap on his left flank during an attack (Passchendaele, Oct 1917), his platoon came under heavy fire from some pillboxes and an enemy trench. He at once led his men to the attack, capturing the garrison of the trench, and eventually by a skilful manoeuvre, put the pillbox out of action. He was cut off from his company and all of his platoon had become casualties, but he took command of a few men (Australians) near him and held his position when the rest of the advance was held up. Later he rejoined his company, took command and consolidated the new position. He showed the greatest gallantry, coolness and leadership throughout.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 26 November 1917