Wednesday 5 December 2007

Lance-Sergeant John Cooke, MM

Born on 7 October 1884 in Desertone, Londonderry, Ireland - husband of Sara J. Cooke, Toronto, Ontario - at time of enlistment in 1915: trade as conductor, married, no current or previous military service, Presbyterian, height of 5 feet 4 inches, chest of 38.5 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 8 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410709) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - wounded on 18 November 1916 - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 23 April 1917 - killed in action on 30 October 1917 - buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery (grave I.C.21), Belgium.

Awarded the Military Medal - no citation - unit recommendation dated 7 November 1917: "During operations, Oct. 29th to Nov. 2/17 this N.C.O. displayed great coolness, judgement and leadership in taking ammunition parties through heavy hostile shell fire."

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