Thomas Edward Cook

Thomas Edward Cook was born on July 27 1894, to James and Isabel Elizabeth, nee Cole, Cook, at Nariel, Victoria. He was one of seven children. His early education was undertaken by the family’s governess. The family moved to dairy farming at Walwa in 1909, and it was expected that all family members would help run the property. At an early age, Thomas learnt to drive a car, and this would spark a lifelong interest in anything mechanical.

Thomas enlisted in the AIF on June 20, 1916, being allocated Service Number 13161. He was a single 21-year-old motor driver.  Due to these qualifications, he was placed in the 1st Reinforcements for the 2nd Division Motor Transport Company. After training at Broadmeadows and Royal Park, he embarked on HMAT A34 Persic on December 22 1916.

After spending some time in England, Thomas proceeded overseas to France, arriving on June 27, 1917. Over the next 18 months, he would be transferred as a driver to the 25th Division, the 24th Division Supply Column, the 2nd Australian Divisional Headquarters, and the 5th and 6th Australian Field Ambulances.

Back in England, he had two weeks' leave before applying for employment with a private firm in order to gain further experience in motor driving. This was to last for five months, from May 23 to October 31 1919. He was to be paid full Military rates, receive a subsistence allowance, and be issued working clothes. He initially worked for W.H. Gaze & Sons Ltd, but after not gaining sufficient experience, he transferred to Associated Equipment Coy Ltd.

He arrived back in Australia on December 15 1919, on board HMAT A71 Nestor. For his service in the AIF, he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Three months later, he was discharged. After returning from overseas, he went back to Walwa and operated a taxi service in the district with his 1916 Buick.

In 1920, Thomas’ father, James, purchased a property at Mt Alfred. The farm was known as “The Point”, and the family grew tobacco as well as running a dairy herd. He left the family farm after a few years and, with his friend Jack Houston, cut sleepers at Burrowye. These were carted with their trucks. They expanded their business, securing contracts to haul gravel for roadwork. This work took him to Thornton during the construction of the Eildon Weir at Porepunkah, and locally to Mount Elliot and Colac Colac, where he operated gravel-crushing plants.

While working in the Porepunkah district, he met Mildred Jessie Gow. The couple married on August 27, 1941, at the Holy Trinity Church, Wandiligong. They settled in the nearby town of Bright and had one son. In March 1942, Thomas enlisted for part-time duty in the Citizens' Military Forces at Bright. He was placed in the 22nd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps and was allocated Service Number V372319. He was discharged on October 10 1945.

Thomas continued general and pine log carting. He satisfied his love of things mechanical by purchasing and restoring old machinery and cars. He passed away on September 8 1971, and was buried in the Bright Cemetery.