page_title: Thomas Cooke (soldier, born 1881)
hierarchical_section_title: Thomas Cooke (soldier, born 1881)
caption_attribution_description: English: AWM caption: Studio portrait of Private (Pte) Thomas Cooke VC, 8th Battalion, of Richmond Vic and was killed in action on 28 July 1916. Pte Cooke was awarded his VC for most conspicuous bravery, after a Lewis gun had been disabled, he was ordered to take his gun and gun-team to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that finally he was the only man left. He still stuck to his post, and continued to fire his gun. When assistance was sent he was found dead beside his gun. He set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty.
context_page_description: Thomas Cooke, VC 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, 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.
context_section_description: 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.
caption: Studio portrait of Thomas Cooke
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