Date of birth: 1892-05-18
Place of birth: Glace Bay Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada
Next of kin: James Croak (father) Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Marital status: single
Occupation (attested): Labourer
Occupation (normalized): Labourer
Religion: Roman Catholic
Regimental number: 445312
Rank detailPrivate, 13th Battalion, Infantry (Army).
Degree of service: Europe
Survived war: no
Battle wounded/killed: Amiens, France
AwardsVictoria Cross (Amiens, France)
Description: 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.
Date of award: 1918-09-24
Date of award: 1918-08-08
Source: The London Gazette, No. 30922, September 24, 1918
Notes: The Army Museum, 2nd floor, Cavalier Block, Halifax Citadel Defence Complex, Halifax, Nova Scotia
CVWM ID: No CVWM ID in our database, but try
this.
Service file: B2144-S047
Uploader's Notes: Son of James and Cecelia Croak, of New Aberdeen, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He enlisted on August 7, 1915 at Sussex, NB. On his attestation papers he stated that he was born on May 18, 1892 at Glace Bay, Cape Breton, NS.
Uploader's Research notes: [Private Army Canadian Infantry 13th Battalion Victoria Cross Amiens, France 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. ]
