On Friday, March 20, the funeral service for World War II veteran Leslie “Les” Cook was held. Cook is believed to be the last surviving ANZAC of the Battle of Crete during World War II.
Cook celebrated his 103rd birthday in January and was recognised as an honorary life member of both the Hellenic Club of Canberra and the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) in acknowledgement of his service and sacrifices for Australia and Greece.
During his funeral service, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, read a message from Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which honoured Cook’s memory.
“Today we bow our heads with sorrow – but also with profound gratitude and honor – before a man whose life was defined by courage, duty, and quiet dignity,” the message read.
Mitsotakis also highlighted Cook’s brave service in the Pacific and in Greece.
“From that shared sacrifice emerged an enduring bond of friendship between Greece and Australia. Les Cook embodied that bond,” he said.
“Those who knew him speak of his humility. Despite the extraordinary experiences he lived through, he remained a man who never sought recognition for himself and never forgot the comrades who stood beside him, nor those who never returned home.
“Les Cook lived a long and fulfilling life, and he leaves behind an example that will continue to inspire us all – a reminder that peace must never be taken for granted. It demands vigilance, courage and sacrifice.”
The message concluded with a final honouring of Cook’s memory. “His memory will endure – in Greece, in Australia, and wherever the legacy of the ANZACs is honoured. Lest we forget.”
Also present at the service were John Loukadelis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts, Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, and George Katheklakis, President of the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts Incorporated.
Cook was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1923, migrated to Australia as a young child and grew up on a dairy farm in Gippsland, Victoria. At 17, he enlisted in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in May 1940 and served with the 2/14th Battalion as a signaller.
In March 1941, he landed in Greece and fought during the Battle of Crete alongside Greek, Australian and New Zealand troops amid limited equipment and intense German aerial bombardment.
He later served in North Africa, Syria, New Guinea and Japan before returning to Australia in 1947. After the war, he worked in the Australian Public Service until 1981 and remained active and respected in the Greek Australian community.
Cook leaves behind three daughters and a legacy as one of the last links to the Battle of Crete and the wartime alliance between Australia and Greece.
