Cook, Etsel John

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: August 14th, 1918 (Orangeville/Ontario, Canada)
Date of death:: June 17th, 1944 (Beny-sur-Mer/Somme, France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: 117. Row: C. Grave: 12.
Service number:: B/144191
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Etsel John Cook was born to Benjamin C. Cook and Sarah Jane. Raised in a large family, he was one of several siblings, including brothers and sisters who lived across Ontario. Before enlisting, Etsel worked as a farmer and transport driver, occupations that reflected both his rural upbringing and practical skills. He lived with his family in Toronto and intended to make Ontario his permanent home.

Etsel first served in the Non-Permanent Active Militia during a 30-day training stint in 1940, before formally enlisting in the Canadian Army (Active) on March 15, 1943. He joined the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and trained in Canada before embarking for overseas service on September 14, 1943. He was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal and served in the European theatre during the Second World War.

On June 17, 1944, just days after the D-Day landings in Normandy, Etsel was killed in France. His death was initially reported as “Killed in Action,” but later records, including his War Service Grant computation, noted the cause as “Died (Murdered)”. He was buried at the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in France.

At the time of his death, Etsel had no spouse or children. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah Jane Cook, who resided at 4 Springhurst Avenue in Toronto. He left behind a modest estate, including war savings certificates and a Victory Loan bond. In a will dated October 8, 1943, he bequeathed his entire estate to his mother and named his father, Benjamin C. Cook, as executor.

Etsel John Cook’s service totaled 461 days, including 278 days overseas. He was posthumously awarded a War Service Gratuity of $210.62 under the War Service Grants Act of 1944. His personal effects, including a green dress cap, cap badge, stationery, playing cards, scissors, photographs, and letters, were returned to his family.

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