Canadian Virtual War Memorial
John Bernard Croak
In memory of:
Private John Bernard Croak
August 8, 1918
Military Service
445312
26
Army
Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
13th Bn.
An extract from The London Gazette," No. 30922, dated September 24, 1918, records the following:
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.
Victoria Cross
Additional Information
May 18, 1892
Little Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
August 7, 1915
Sussex, New Brunswick
Son of James and Cecelia Croak, of New Aberdeen, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Commemorated on Page 32 of the Newfoundland Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.
John Bernard Croak is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Complete list of Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients
Burial Information
HANGARD WOOD BRITISH CEMETERY
Somme, France
Plot I, Row A, Grave 9
Hangard is a village in the Department of the Somme, in the valley of the Luce, between Domart and Demuin. The road to Villers-Bretonneux goes due North from the village, up a steep hillside. After a mile it passes between the two portions of Hangard Wood, and HANGARD WOOD BRITISH CEMETERY will be found at this point, on the side of the road.
Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Digital Collection
-
Details
Honour roll – Memorial plaque in front of the United Kingdom High Commission in Ottawa to commemorate Canadians who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. -
Details
Picture of John Bernard Croak -
Details
Military Will – In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother Mrs. James Croak of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. -
Details
Document – This document explains how John received the Victoria Cross and explains the details of his death. -
Details
Statement of Service belonging to John Bernard Croak -
Details
Victoria Cross – "Victoria Cross" For most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. -
Details
Royal Canadian Legion -
Details
John Bernard Croak Victoria Cross Memorial School -
Details
Memorial Plaque -
Details
Circumstances of death registers – Source: Library and Archives Canada. CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH REGISTERS, FIRST WORLD WAR Surnames: CRABB TO CROSSLAND Microform Sequence 24; Volume Number 31829_B016733. Reference RG150, 1992-93/314, 168. Page 565 of 788. -
Details
Cenotaph – Barrie Military Park, Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients, Cenotaph -
Details
Cemetery -
Details
Graveyard – Cemetery Panoramic -
Details
Grave Marker – grave site -
Details
Grave Marker
Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial
To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.
- Date modified: