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The Squadron history by Robeson and Illingworth shows Cowper as joining 24 Squadron as a member of "B" Flight on 26 August 1917 and becoming Flight Commander on 24 March 1918 (vice Captain A J Brown). He held this post until 11 April 1918.
He received the Military Cross, the citation appearing in the London Gazette of 22 April 1918:
COWPER, Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Andrew King, General List - Whilst leading a patrol of six machines he observed four hostile triplanes, one of which he attacked, succeeding in causing it to break up in the air. The remaining three enemy machines were destroyed by the rest of the patrol. On the return journey he encountered an enemy scout, and shepherding it by the most skilful piloting west of the lines, forced it to land undamaged on one of our aerodromes. On a later occasion, during three separate combats, he and his patrol brought down one machine completely out of control, and two others with their observers wounded, and later in the same day three other machines completely out of control. Previously to this he has assisted in destroying six other enemy scouts, displaying at all times the greatest courage and determination.
He received a Bar to the Military Cross as per the London Gazette of 22 June 1918:
COWPER, Temporary 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Andrew King MC, General List - Within a short period he has himself destroyed three enemy ‘planes and has driven down four others completely out of control. During the recent operations he has further destroyed two hostile machines, and has attacked in the most daring manner and with the greatest effect enemy troops and transport. On all occasions his gallantry and skill have been of the highest order.
A Second Bar was awarded (announced in the same Gazette as the First Bar):
COWPER, Temporary 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Andrew King MC, General List - He bombed enemy troops who were entrenching, and caused great havoc and confusion. He made repeated attacks, in spite of heavy hostile fire, and eventually forced the enemy to retire from their trench. He returned to his aerodrome for more bombs and ammunition, and, going out a second time, attacked enemy troops and transport and threw them into confusion. He went out on two other occasions on the same day with equal success. Later, while co-operating with an infantry attack, he obtained four direct hits with bombs on an encampment and forced several parties of the enemy to retire from their front line. He showed magnificent dash and determination.
Graeme
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