'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 23rd October 1918, near Salesches, when his Company had captured its objective, casualties were sustained from several hidden machine guns in front. Lance Sergeant Cole volunteered to go forward to locate them, but owing to the density of the fire permission was refused. He persisted, however, and was allowed to go. With three men he set out and opened fire on a suspected enemy position. The enemy immediately replied with four machine guns and two of the men with Lance Sergeant Cole were casualtied. He dragged them back to shelter and then returned to his Company and gave the information which enabled the enemy guns to be dealt with. His action called for the highest courage and was instrumental in saving many lives.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 June 1919

Regimental number	34030
Occupation	Driver
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs Hephzibah Jeffcoate, Lytton Road, Gisborne
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 21st Reinforcements, F Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Waitemata on 19 January 1917
Medals	Bar to Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 23rd October 1918, near Salesches, when his Company had captured its objective, casualties were sustained from several hidden machine guns in front. Lance Sergeant Cole volunteered to go forward to locate them, but owing to the density of the fire permission was refused. He persisted, however, and was allowed to go. With three men he set out and opened fire on a suspected enemy position. The enemy immediately replied with four machine guns and two of the men with Lance Sergeant Cole were casualtied. He dragged them back to shelter and then returned to his Company and gave the information which enabled the enemy guns to be dealt with. His action called for the highest courage and was instrumental in saving many lives.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 17 June 1919 Military Medal 'For bravery in the field.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 13 September 1918
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 52, p. 20