Englefield Echoes: A Family's Valor in World War II
The contributor’s mother was Emily Cook who wrote her memoirs in 1990. She was 19/20 years old when war broke out, living in Englefield (Berks) where her father was postmaster. She helped in the PO but volunteered to help in local hospital for the Red Cross.
James Cook (uncle) was a TA in the Royal Engineers but was too young to be sent abroad, so he went to Ireland. Then eventually, he went to North Africa and Sicily with Royal Engineers. He transferred to Airborne but was captured at Arnhem. He was treated badly as his uniform was 'special' and was sent to work in a coal mine.
Jack Smith (father) joined the RAF in 1940, working in the RAF police and guarding stations in Devon and Wales.
William Cook (grandfather) was Chief Air Warden. His first job was to issue gas masks and he kept records of everyone who was issued with one.
History
Item list and details
1. Memoir from mother 2. Red Cross attendance record 3. Information regarding James Cook at Arnhem 4. Jack Smith's discharge and order of service 5. William Cook's Air Warden record bookPerson the story/items relate to
Emily Cook James Cook Jack Smith William George CookPerson who shared the story/items
Richard John SmithRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Emily Cook (mother) James Cook (uncle) Jack Smith (father) William George Cook (grandfather)Type of submission
Shared at Theale Library, Berkshire on 14 November 2023.Record ID
99315 | TLI006Usage metrics
