Cemetery: Hangard Wood British Cemetery
Country: France
Area: Somme
Rank: Private
Force: Army
Official Number: 445312
Unit: 13th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
Country of Service: Canadian
Details: 8th August 1918 Age 26 Son of James and Cecelia Croak of New Aberdeen Cape Breton Nova Scotia Born at Little Bay Newfoundland IÂ AÂ 9 An extract from "The London Gazette No 30922, dated 24th Sept, 1918, records the following:-For most conspicuous bravery in attack when having become separated from his section he encountered a machine gun nest which he bombed and silenced taking the gun and crew prisoners Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded but refused to desist Having rejoined his platoon a very strong point containing several machine guns was encountered Private Croak however seeing an opportunity dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the platoon in a brilliant charge He was the first to arrive at the trench line into which he led his men capturing three machine guns and bayonetting or capturing the entire garrison The perseverance and valour of this gallant soldierwho was again severely wounded and died of his wounds were an inspiring example to all
Photograph by Martin Harvey
