Cooke | Aubrey St John | | Captain | COOKE, AUBREY ST JOHN, Captain, was born 5 August 1872, son of Professor Samuel Cooke, MA, BE, FIC, etc. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment on 18 May 1892; became Lieutenant 24 September 1894. He was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps, and served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98 (Medal with two clasps). He again saw active service in the South African War, 1899-1902, as Special Service Officer 20 January to 6 February 1900; afterwards on Staff (as Staff Officer for Transport [graded Rate XIV, Scale B Art. 115, Rl Wt, 26 October 1900], 7 February to 15 October 1900; Staff Captain 16 October 1901 to 23 February 1902; DAAG from 24 February 1902). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June, 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June, 1902]: "Aubrey St John Cooke, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Transvaal, and presented at Pretoria 14 January 1903. Captain Cooke was Director of Transport, Repatriation Department, Transvaal, till August 1904, and resigned his commission in 1904. He rejoined the Army 5 August 1914; was Controller of Roads and Bridges (UK) for the War Office and Ministry of Munitions; Chairman, Road Stone Control Committee Controlling Quarries (UK); War Office Representative in Select Committee on Transport, 1918; Member, Road Transport Board (Board of Trade), 1918; resigned commission 29 November 1918. He became Chairman, Vitkyk Collieries, Coke and Gas Ovens; Director, Egyptian Markets, Engine Development Company, and other companies. Lieutenant Colonel Cooke married, in 1889, Emmie Mathilde, daughter of Lorentz Tiden.
QSA (3) CC OFS Tran (Capt ISC). Lovell 1978 est £45. Dixon 2000 £225.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |