| Accession Number | A02649 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Glass original half plate negative |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia: Victoria, Melbourne |
| Date made | November 1915-February 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of Acting Corporal (A/Cpl) Thomas Cooke, 7th Reinforcements, 24th Battalion, of ...
Description
Studio portrait of Acting Corporal (A/Cpl) Thomas Cooke, 7th Reinforcements, 24th Battalion, of Richmond, Victoria. Cooke served as an Acting Corporal with the 24th Battalion from November 1915 to February 1916, and reverted to the rank of Private upon joining the 8th Battalion in Egypt. Private Thomas Cooke was killed in action at Pozières on the night of 24/25 July 1916. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the award gazetted on 9 September 1916. His citation read: 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".