Leslie “Les” Cook, believed to be the last surviving ANZAC who fought in the Battle of Crete during World War II, has died aged 103, prompting tributes from both the Australian and Greek communities.
Mr Cook, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in January, 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.
“May your memory be eternal – forever a hero to both Australia and Greece,” John Loukadellis, President of the GOCCC, said on social media.
Born in Herefordshire, England, in 1923, Mr Cook migrated to Australia as a young child and grew up on a dairy farm in Gippsland, Victoria. At just 17 years old, 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 as part of the Allied campaign against Nazi forces and fought alongside Greek, Australian and New Zealand troops during the Battle of Crete. The campaign was marked by limited equipment and intense aerial bombardment as German forces dominated the skies.
Following the battle, Mr Cook continued serving in several theatres during the war, including North Africa, Syria, New Guinea and Japan, before returning to Australia in 1947.
After the war, he built a career in the Australian Public Service, where he worked until his retirement in 1981. He remained active well into his later years and was widely respected within the Greek Australian community for his connection to Greece and the shared wartime history between the two nations.
Mr Cook leaves behind three daughters and a lasting legacy as one of the last living links to the Battle of Crete and the wartime alliance between Australia and Greece.
