Cook | Hubert Thomas
Biography
Son of Edwin George (Ted) Cook and May Rosetta Cook (born Smith). Brother of Edwin William Cook, June Audree Cook and Dorice Irene Cook.
Husband of Florence Gertrude Cook (born Jackson) and father of Brian and Trevor Cook.
Hubert was born on 30 May 1912 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. In 1914 on 8 August, at the age of 2, Hubert and his family left Liverpool to sail on the brand new Laconia, the Cunard Line to New York. The ship was delayed for a fortnight while they camouflaged the liner because of the danger of U-boats. In 1917, this ship would still be torpedoed by the German Navy. This killed 12 people.
In America, the family lived at 2614E, 73rd Sreet, Chicago, Illinois.
In 1921, the family returned to England. Hubert and his brother Edwin attended Devonshire School in Cheltenham and were bullied because of their American accent. Hubert was an excellent swimmer and obtained a certificate at the annual water sports at Alstone Baths.
Hubert married Florence Gertrude Jackson on 31 July 1937 in St James, Gloucester. They live at Merryvale, Arle road in Cheltenham. His occupation is bricklayer.
They have two children, Brian and Trevor. Trevor was only four months old and his father unfortunately never saw him,
In 1944, Hubert was killed on 11 October near Westerbeek. Hubert is buried in the cemetery in Westerbeek.
On his gravestone, his parents had the following inscribed:
“Your Memory Is Our Keepsake, Hubert With Which We’ll Never Part”.
Hubert received the following medals:
- 1939-1945 Star
- France and Germany Star
- Defence Medal
- War medal 1939-1945
Newspaper article Hubert Thomas Cook
Mrs Cook of Clyde-Crescent 90, Cheltenham, has received official notification that her husband, Gunner Hubert Thomas Cook, was killed in action in north-western Europe.
Gunner Cook, who served with the Honourable Artillery Company (R.H.A.) was 32 years old and the younger son of Mr and Mrs E.G. Cook of Merriville, Arie-road, Cheltenham.
As members of the Territorials, Gunner Cook and his brother, who is now Lieut. E.W. Cook and serving in Palestine, were immediately called up when war broke out, but Gunner Cook had served in his country throughout the war until he went to France after D-Day.
Gunner Cook was born in Cheltenham, but when he was still a baby his parents went to live in Chicago and they stayed there long enough for him to begin his education there.
They returned to Cheltenham in 1920 and Gunner Cook completed his education at the Parish Church School.
Until he joined the army, he worked as a bricklayer.
Gunner Cook leaves behind two small sons, Brian and Trevor, the latter was four months old and he never saw him.
On his gravestone, his parents had the following inscribed:
“Your Memory Is Our Keepsake, Hubert With Which We’ll Never Part”.
