Regional Councillor Cook’s “in Memoria”
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Private Garner Cook, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Nova Scotia Highlanders,
85th Battalion, WW1 and Home Guard, WW2
1894 – 1967
My grandfather, Garner Cook, joined the movement of East Coast farmers who volunteered to defend Canada, Inexperienced for battle, with no formal training, all who signed on in Halifax, boarded a steamer for Europe with a uniform and a prayer.
From the Canadian Military Journal https://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/Vol17/no2/page34-eng.asp
“The story of the role played by the 85th Battalion in the battle of Vimy Ridge has become almost mythical. On the morning of 9 April, when all four divisions of the Canadian Corps attacked together for the first time in the First World War, the 85th was relegated to acting as a work battalion, to help repair trenches and carry out other tasks behind the initial advance. Within a few hours, Canadians had captured almost the entire ridge, and only the two highest points held out: the “Pimple” and Hill 145 (the summit where Canada’s Vimy Memorial now stands). Having seen all his existing battalions broken up attempting to capture Hill 145, the 11th Brigade’s commanding officer, Brigadier-General Victor Odlum, turned to the 85th to attempt one more advance before the end of the day. “C” and “D” companies under Captains Harvey Crowell and Percival Anderson were charged with the task.1”
The rest is legendary. The Hill was captured, and Vimy secured.
My grandfather contracted pneumonia, which most assuredly saved his life. He was spared from the Somme and lived to raise 8 children.
He continued his military service as Home Guard during WW2, protecting the mouth of the Fundy Tidal Bore on the Atlantic Ocean between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, scanning the open waterway for German U-Boats.
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Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Isaac Cook, CD
1936 – 2017
My uncle Fred joined the Canadian Army in 1958 with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) at Camp Chilliwack BC he remained in Vedder Crossing with the RCSME Demonstration Troop. From there Fred was posted to 4 Field Squadron in Germany. When he returned to Canada he started on an Airborne career path – first with 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa, ON and then with 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton, AB starting in 1968. After Edmonton he was stationed in Camp Gagetown, NB – first with 2 Field Squadron and then with the Base Construction Engineering Section. In 1982 Fred was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa where he served until his retirement in 1985.
On behalf of the Cook – Gonyou family, to all retired and serving military and those we lost through combat and friendly fire, lest we forget, thank you. The freedoms won by these brave men, women and the animals who assisted should not be lost through time.
This year we lost a special friend, Alexander “Sandy” MacDonald, Lt. Navy, Retired. Sandy served our country through the Navy, and a leader with Sea Cadets, and later as the President of Bay Ridges Legion Branch 606. He served our City at all Remembrance Day and D Day events. He will be missed.
We also honour the families of all military personnel who supported and loved those who sacrificed so we can walk free. For those who have returned and face trauma and live with the difficulty of choices made, you are not alone. Assistance is available through the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command.
Lest we forget.
Regional Councillor, Linda Cook
Ward 2
