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John Bernard Croak VC (b. Little Bay, Newfoundland, May 18, 1892 - August 8, 1918), was a Canadian and Newfoundland recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Details
The Croak family moved to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia when John was two years old. He attended school there and then began work as a coal miner. Croak enlisted in the military in 1915. He was 26 years old, and a private in the 13th (Royal Highlanders of Canada) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 8 August 1918 at Amiens, France, Private Croak, having become separated from his section, encountered a machine-gun which he proceeded to bomb, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but nevertheless rejoined his platoon. When several more machine-guns at a strong point were encountered, Croak, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward, followed almost immediately by the rest of the platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line into which he led his men, bayoneting or capturing the entire garrison. He was again wounded and died shortly thereafter at the age of only 26.
Further information
Grave/memorial at Buried at Hangard Wood British Cemetery, France. 12m SW of Albert. Plot I. Row A. Grave 9. Headstone.
The Newfoundland spelling of the name is "Croke," and that is also how it appears on Pvt. Croak's birth certificate. However, Pvt. Croak enlisted with this spelling, which remains on many of his official documents.
In Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, where John Bernard Croak grew up, there is a school, a park and a Royal Canadian Legion branch named in his honour.
The medal
John Bernard Croak's medals are held by The Army Museum. The Army Museum is located on the second floor of the Cavalier Block in the Halifax Citadel Defence Complex, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
External links
- JOHN BERNARD CROAK (service/personal details, citation, relevant documents, burial information)
- short citation
- Legion Magazine article on John Bernard Croak
- Find-A-Grave profile for John Bernard Croak
- Croak's Medals at the Canadian War Museum
- John Bernard Croak V.C. Memorial School info page
- John Bernard Croak V.C. Memorial School official page from Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board site