COOK, Arthur Sydney
| Service Number: | 406614 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 3 February 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Squadron Leader |
| Last Unit: | No. 156 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Claremont, Western Australia, 24 October 1921 |
| Home Town: | Claremont, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | Flying Battle, Germany, 4 October 1943, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany Plot 9. Row. G. Grave 1. Local Roll of Honour- Claremont Western Australia |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Squadron Leader, 406614 | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 406614, No. 5 Initial Training School Pearce | |
| 3 Feb 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 406614, No. 156 Squadron (RAF) | |
| 17 Nov 1941: | Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, Sergeant, 406614, Embarked Newcastle for U.K. | |
| 23 Sep 1942: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Pilot Officer, 406614, No. 103 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45 | |
| 20 Apr 1943: | Honoured Distinguished Flying Medal, Air War NW Europe 1939-45 | |
| 11 Sep 1943: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 406614, No. 156 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45 | |
| 22 Oct 1943: | Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross, Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Posthumous |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Graham Padget
Squadron Leader Arthur Sydney Cook was the son of Alfred Reginald and Violet May Cook, of Claremont, Western Australia.
Squadron Leader Cook was 21 years of age when he died, and was one of the youngest officers of his rank to be killed on Bomber Command operations in 1943.
DFM Citation: “Sergeant Cook, an Australian, was posted to No 103 Squadron (RAF) on 13th October 1942, and since this date has carried out 18 sorties in Lancaster aircraft. Throughout his operational tour, this Non-Commissioned Officer has shown outstanding determination to press home his attacks with accuracy and to bring back a record of his achievements. He was particularly successful in his attacks on Milan on 14th February 1943, Turin on 4th February 1943, and Lorient on 16th February 1943. He is a keen and conscientious Captain of aircraft whose quiet confidence and courage have been an inspiration to the squadron and he is strongly recommended for the award of the DFM, 19th February 1943.
DFC Citation: “One night in August 1943, this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Nuremburg. Whilst over the target area, the bomber was subject to heavy and concentrated anti-aircraft fire. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Cook displayed great tenacity and, at the third attempt, successfully bombed the target. This officer has participated in very many sorties and his determination to complete the allotted task, whatever the opposition, has set a very fine example.”
(London Gazette 22/10/1943, Page 4673).
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