2nd Battalion appointed paid Lance Corporal 22 December 1937 , 2nd Battalion permitted to extend his service to complete 12 years with the Colours April 1939 , 2nd Battalion attended course of instruction at the Army School of Cookery from 1 May 1939 to 28 July 1939 and Qualified as Master Cook Class II (Sergeant Cook) , 2nd Battalion Awarded General Service Medal clasp Palestine 36 , 39 4 April 1940