1502 Corporal Ernest Cook – Swifts Creek/Omeo Killed in Action 5 July 1916

….. survived Gallipoli to die in France

The Cook family arrived in Cassilis about 1905 from Urana, NSW where Ernie was born in 1894 and went to school locally, played football and was a member of the Cassilis Rifle Club. His parents, David and Emma Cook were well known in the local community. On 17 September 1914, Ernie enlisted with the 13 th  Battalion and left Melbourne just before Christmas on 22 December on the Berrima. It appears that Ernie was engaged in the Gallipoli campaign from the start to the finish and after evacuation he returned to Egypt but his cousin, Percy, died of wounds. In May he was promoted to Lance Corporal before embarking for Marseilles the next month. On 19 July his battalion was engaged “in the field” south of Armentieres when he lost his life and was buried at Bois Grenier. His mother, Emma, wrote she would be profoundly grateful for any items the Department could send her no matter how trifling. Her twin sister, Edith also lost her son, Percy who was the same age as Ernie. Among Ernie’s effects were a notebook, a Bible and his battalion colours. He is remembered on the Swifts Creek Honour Roll.   We have been unable to locate a photograph of Corporal Ernest Cook, if you know of one, please make contact. Our group would appreciate your assistance.