Leslie “Les” Cook has died at the age of 103. He is believed to have been the last surviving ANZAC soldier who fought in the Battle of Crete, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service and enduring friendship between nations.

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of emotion in both Australia and Greece, with members of the Greek community paying tribute to a man who connected the two nations through shared wartime experience and lifelong friendship.

Cook, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in January, was honoured as an honorary life member of both the Hellenic Club of Canberra and the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra and District (GOCCC).

The recognition was an expression of gratitude for his selfless contribution and sacrifices — both for Australia and for Greece.

“May his memory be eternal — forever a hero for both Australia and Greece,” said GOCCC president John Loukadellis, expressing the community’s deep respect for Cook.

From rural England to Victoria

Leslie Cook was born in 1923 in Herefordshire, England, and migrated to Australia at a young age. He grew up on a dairy farm in Gippsland, Victoria, where his early life experiences helped shape his character.

At just 17 years old, in May 1940, he enlisted in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) as a signalman responsible for battalion communications. His path would soon take him far from the quiet farm life into the fierce theatres of the Second World War.

The Battle of Crete

In March 1941, Cook landed in Greece as part of the Allied campaign against Nazi forces.

In Crete he fought alongside Greek, Australian and New Zealand soldiers in a campaign remembered for the Allies’ limited equipment and the relentless aerial bombardment by the Luftwaffe.

“Crete was fire and smoke,” Cook recalled in interviews.
“The days were endless, fear was everywhere, but our solidarity with the Cretan people gave us strength.”

The Cretans welcomed him as an ally, and the bravery of the local population inspired Cook to fight with extraordinary courage.

Service and life in Australia

After the campaign in Crete, Cook continued fighting in North Africa, Syria, New Guinea and Japan, before returning to Australia in 1947.

He later joined the Australian Public Service, where he worked until his retirement in 1981.

Throughout his life he remained active within the Greek Australian community, helping preserve the shared history and friendship between the two peoples.

Farewell tribute

Prominent Cretan community leader Antonis Tsourdalakis paid tribute to Cook.

“With respect and emotion we farewell the last surviving veteran of the Battle of Crete, Les Cook, at the age of 103.

“A man who stood bravely in one of the most heroic chapters of Greek history, fighting alongside the Cretan people for freedom.

“Crete never forgot its allies. The bonds forged then, through sacrifice and struggle, remain alive today in the hearts of Cretans and Greeks around the world.

“His sacrifice and contribution will forever remain a shining example of courage, honour and friendship between peoples.

“It was an honour to meet him and hear his stories of the battle, and in 2022 the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand honoured him as an honorary member.

“His memory will be eternal.”

Les Cook leaves behind three daughters and a legacy that extends beyond his personal story — a living link to the past and a reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by Greece’s allies during the war.

His memory will live on in the hearts of both Greeks and Australians.