Thomas Cooke (soldier, born 1881)

Thomas Cooke
Studio portrait of Thomas Cooke
Born	(1881-07-05)5 July 1881 Kaikōura, New Zealand
Died	25 July 1916(1916-07-25) (aged 35) † Pozières, France
Allegiance	Australia
Service/branch	Australian Imperial Force
Years of service	1915–1916
Rank	Private
Unit	8th Battalion
Battles/wars	First World War Western Front Battle of the Somme Battle of Pozières  †
Awards	Victoria Cross

Thomas Cooke, VC (5 July 1881 – 25 July 1916) was a New Zealand-born soldier who served in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to personnel of British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in Kaikōura to English immigrants, Cooke became a carpenter after finishing school. He moved to Australia in 1912, taking his young family with him, and settled in Melbourne. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in February 1915 and, after completing his training, embarked for the Middle East. On arrival, he was posted to the 8th Battalion. Soon his battalion was serving in the Somme sector on the Western Front. Killed during the Battle of Pozières, he was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in staying at his post in the face of a German attack.