Joseph Cook enlisted AIF 1 Sep 1941 and was sent to Woodside, SA to join 2/4th MGB. In January he was transferred to ‘E’ Coy SRB.
Joseph Cook was Lt. Harry Green’s Batman/runner in E Coy SRB’s No. Platoon 1. Joe survived the Japanese ambush at SW Bukit Timah – Harry Green was KIA.
Please read further about SRB
And the men of E Coy SRB
X10 Party – working with Jim Duncan on Tank Trap. Please read further
Without anaesthetic Joseph had a parotid tumour removed at AGH Changi. The tumuor and gland were both removed. Photographs taken of him in Darwin in 1941 show the lump on the side of his neck had begun to form. He suffered after-affects all his life.
He was recovered Changi 13/9/1945 ( Woodlands) Kranji Hospital. Joseph Cooper injured his back and legs which were paralysed for 2-3 months prior to his release. He was evacuated out very unwell, arriving at Sydney, Australia on 13 October 1945. He was evacuated to firstly 115 (H) MH then to Perth, 110 (P) MH.
Joseph Cook was from a large family of 9 children. He migrated from London to Fremantle without his family on ‘Berrima’ in September 1926, aged 22 years. His recorded occupation was Baker.
Joseph married Dora Grace Stoner in Perth 1938. Dora was also English born.
After the war Joseph and Dora returned to England for some months to visit family before returning to WA. They had contemplated living in England however decided there were more opportunities to be had in Australia.
He and Dora owned and operated a cake/pastry shop in Armadale until the 1960’s when they retired. The business required long working hours and with Joseph’s health proved to be demanding. They made the decision to sell their business and moved to Bentley. Joseph found less demanding work as a yardman and detailing vehicles at Sydney Atkinson Motors in Perth.
The couple had 3 children.
Grandson Brendan Cook claims his Grandad made the best pasties ever!
Joseph died 16 September 1991 aged 86 years and his wife Dora died earlier 30 March 1983 aged 71 years.
