| Citation: | Kenya, 21/4/1955 - 20/10/1955. 22828144 Sgt. Douglas Howard Coe. 5 Section, SIB, Nyeri, Kenya. 21 April 1944 - 20 October 1944.Citation: In his capacity as NCO in charge of a detachment of the Special Investigation Branch, Royal Military police in 70 (EA) Infantry Brigade area, which covers parts of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare forests, Staff Sergeant COE has, for the past two years given outstanding service. He arrived at a time when, as a result of publicity over certain allegations of a criminal nature, the aspect of discipline on operations was causing some uneasiness with units. His manner and methods of investigation and his approach to such matters soon dispelled this uneasiness, which resulted always in the fullest co-operation between the unit and the NCO's of his detachment. By his devotion to duty, tact, and determination he has handled difficult enquiries with marked success, and has never spared himself in his efforts to investigate thoroughly and impartially any case, while still fitting in with operational commitments of units. These investigations have invariably necessitated continuous enquiries under arduous conditions in areas frequented by Mau Mau terrorists, in which Staff Sergeant COE has shown complete disregard for his personal safety in getting the job done. On one occasion when accompanied by an NCO of his detachment on enquiries, he was fired on by terrorists from an ambush position when visiting the operational unit at NYERI area. He returned fire which shattered his vehicle windscreen and later assisted troops in rounding up remnants of a local gang. Staff Sergeant COE is an outstanding investigator and has the marked ability to co-operate successfully with senior officers of the Kenya Police Criminal Investigations Department and Special Branch, which has been invaluable to his superiors. His understanding of African other ranks has been of the highest order. As a result of his efforts over the last two years, and his leadership and willingness to accept responsibility, Staff Sergeant COE and his NCO investigators are held in the highest respect by Staff of Brigade Headquarters and the Commanding officer of the unit.Recommended by: Maj. DAPM, SIB. C in C East Africa Command. |
