Thomas Cooke (soldier, born 1881), Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Thomas Cooke (soldier, born 1881)

Australian soldier, recipient of the Victoria Cross

Date of Birth: 05-Jul-1881

Place of Birth: Kaikōura, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Date of Death: 25-Jul-1916

Profession: military personnel

Nationality: Australia

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Thomas Cooke, VC (5 July 1881 – 25 July 1916) was a New Zealand-born soldier who served in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War.
He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Born in Kaikoura to English immigrants, Cooke became a carpenter after finishing school.
He moved to Australia in 1912, taking his young family with him, and settled in Melbourne.
He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in February 1915.
After training he embarked for the Middle East and on arrival was posted to 8th Battalion.
Soon his battalion was serving in the Somme sector on the Western Front.
He fought in the Battle of Pozières during which he was killed.
He was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in staying at his post in the face of a German attack.