Rifleman Harold Cook

B64270 Rifleman Harold Cook was born on 14 Aug 1920 in Toronto, Ontario, the son of Percy and Agnes Elizabeth Wassal. He had one sister and two brothers: Douglas, also serving with The Queen’s Own Rifles and John serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

believe Douglas survived the war and died, ironically, on June 6, 1981 (age 63) and is buried in Pine Hill Cemetery (Toronto)
Can’t find any records of John or his sister
Cook attended Dufferin School and left aged 14, after finishing public school.


He worked as a truck driver with the Coca-Cola Company (for $18 weekly) when he enlisted in Toronto with The Queen’s On Rifles of Canada on 22 June 1940.


He served on W Force in Newfoundland and trained at Camp Borden and in Sussex, New Brunswick before arriving in Scotland with the Regiment in July 1941. In both Canada and England had several absences without leave.


In March 1944 he requested permission to marry a widow, Mrs. Joan Rousill of London, England. Permission was granted for a marriage after 25 June 1944 (which obviously did not take place.)


Rifleman Cook landed on Juno Beach with D Company on D-Day, 6 June 1944 but was killed in action in the battle of Le Mesnil Patry on 11 June 1944. (Aged 23)


He is buried in Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference III. D. 5