Description
Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, Knight Grand Cross Set of Sash Badge and Breast Star in Silver Gilt, in fitted Garrard Case. Attributed to Sir Cosmo Parkinson.
The previous lot, J7557 is the matching GCMG Collar Chain also awarded during 1942 to Sir Cosmo Parkinson.
This set is untouched and in beautiful condition, with no signs of any flaking to the enamels.
The fitted case signed by Garrad & Co is in similarly well preserved condition with almost no signs of scuffing to the leather and the catch.
Also in the case is the original instructions for wear card and a silk sash.
Sir Arthur Charles Cosmo Parkinson, GCMG KCG OBE better known as “Sir Cosmo” was a long serving British Civil Servant who held a number of appointments including 5 years as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies.
The Collar and Set of the GCMG were conferred upon Sir Cosmo during 1942, at which time he had been recalled to the Colonial Office and was appointed to his second term as Permanent Under-Secretary of State from 1940-42.
By the time of the award he had been seconded for “Special Duties” following the fall of various Colonies such as Hong Kong, Malaya and Somaliland. This new appointment allowed him to visit travel a lot during the war to discuss local issues with Governors and Colonial Administrators. He spent 1942-3 visting, Gambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Mauritius, Seychelles, Aden.
Sir Cosmo was born in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, the only son of Surgeon, Sidney George Parkinson and Elizabeth Trench.
He was educated at Epsom College, where he became Head Prefect before heading to the University of Oxford.
He had first joined the Colonial Office as a Clerk during 1909, which was the start of a 36 year Career.
During WW1, he took up arms and served with the King’s African Rifles being awarded an OBE in 1919 for his service in East Africa.
After the war he returned to the Colonial Office and began to rise through the ranks. First becoming an Assistant Secretary in the Dominions Office (1925-27), followed by Head of the East Africa Department (1927-1931) followed by 6 years as Assistant Under-Secretary for the Colonies (1931-37).
In 1937 he was appointed as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies for a term of 3 years from 1937-1940.
Afterwards he served as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, but was soon recalled to the Colonial Office after his successor, Sir George Gater, was transferred to the Ministry of Supply.
Sir Cosmo would then served his 2nd Term as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies
