Queen's South Africa Medal - Royal Field Artillery - Mentioned in Despatches & Wounded - Cooke

QSA (Modder River, Paardeberg, Johannesburg) named to: 32778. Cpl. H. Cooke, R.F.A.

Harry Cooke had a long and distinguished career in the British Army. He served with the 84th Battery, Royal Field Artillery during the Boer War. He was severely wounded on 30 October 1901 at Bakenlaagte. For his gallantry during this action, he was mentioned in despatches and promoted to Corporal by the Commander-in-Chief:

"At Baakenlaagte on 30th October, 1901...Acting Bombardier H. Cook [sic] In same action seeing the men and horses at the gun shot down, on his own initiative, unlimbered the wagon which was about 100 yards in rearand with the help of the other men mentioned took the limber up, but before they reached the gun, they and all their horses were shot down." (London Gazette 27248, 25 April 1902)

During the First World War, Cooke served initially in the Egyptian Theatre, beginning the war as a Battery Sergeant Major and eventually being promoted to Assisstant Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1). He was commissioned later in the war and ended his WWI service as a Lieutenant. For his WWI service he was awarded a 1914-15 Trio and was again Mentioned in Despatches.

Additional research will undoubtedly uncover more details about his life and military service.