| Birth: | May 18, 1892 | | Death: | Aug. 8, 1918 | 
Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the United Kingdom’s highest award for valor. Private, 13th Bttn., Quebec Regiment, Canadian Infantry, CEF. Born in Little Bay, Newfoundland, he moved with his family to Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, when he was two. when he was 14 he began working alongside his father in a coal mine in the town of Dominion. At age 19, he went to the prairie provinces to work in the wheat fields. He enlisted in 1915 and served in many of the major battles of the war: The Somme, Vimy Ridge, Arras, Hill 70, Third Ypres (Passchendaele), and Amiens. Croak was awarded his V.C. for action at Amiens, August 8, 1918. From his citation: "For most conspicuous bravery in attack when having become separated from his section he encountered a machine gun nest, which he bombed and silenced, taking the gun and crew prisoners. Shortly afterwards he was severely wounded, but refused to desist. Having rejoined his platoon, a very strong point, containing several machine guns, was encountered. Private Croak, however, seeing an opportunity, dashed forward alone and was almost immediately followed by the remainder of the platoon in a brilliant charge. He was the first to arrive at the trench line, into which he led his men, capturing three machine guns and bayonetting or capturing the entire garrison. The perseverance and valour of this gallant soldier, who was again severely wounded, and died of his wounds, were an inspiring example to all." Croak’s V.C. medal is on display at the Army Museum, The Citadel, Halifax, Nova Scotia. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)
Search Amazon for John Croak | | | Burial:
Hangard Wood British (CWGC) Cemetery
Hangard
Picardie Region, France
Plot: I.A.9. |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Nov 10, 2004
Find A Grave Memorial# 9788751 |
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