Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—Late last week, one of the last surviving Australians who served in the Battle of Crete, Les Cook, passed away at the age of 103. Les was a devoted husband and a tremendously proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was, indeed, a great Australian and, characteristic of members of that greatest generation, a man of extraordinary humility. Les was only 16 when he first attempted to join up, in 1939. He succeeded at his second attempt, in 1940, enlisting side by side with his father, a veteran of the First World War. Both men had to lie about their age. As Les recalled, 'He put his age down four years, and I put mine up four.' Les was sent to North Africa before serving in Greece, Crete and Syria. He was then deployed in the Pacific, serving on the Kokoda Track in Borneo and then in Japan as a member of the occupying force until 1947.

Les would be familiar to many Canberrans and to many members of this place as a fixture of commemorations at the Australian War Memorial. I had the honour of meeting him at the dawn service in 2023, when he, of course, was 100 years of age, where he led the Anzac Day march here—at the spritely age of 100. He was just a delightful gentleman, and it was a great honour for me to meet him.

He often said he was embarrassed by all the attention, but he felt a sense of personal responsibility to be there to honour the memory of those who had already marched into history and to help young Australians remember the men and women who had served for who they were. In his words: 'We weren't soldiers; we were heavily armed civilians. We were just ordinary people.' He was anything but ordinary, and that is the powerful truth at the heart of the Anzac legend: ordinary people demonstrating extraordinary bravery, Australians who left behind their families, communities and jobs knowing the danger that awaited because, in Les's words, 'it was the thing to do'. In honouring Les Cook today, we remember all who served and all who serve our nation still. Lest we forget.

Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I rise to join the Prime Minister and his fine words in honouring the life of Les Cook. The coalition notes with deep sadness the passing of Les Cook, who died on 5 March this year at the age of 103. Les enlisted, as we just heard, in the Australian Army in May 1940, just 17 years old. He lied about his age to serve, and what an extraordinary act of determination and patriotism. He enlisted alongside his father, a First World War veteran, and served as a signaller in the 2nd/14th Battalion. Les Cook saw action in Greece, in Crete, on the Kokoda Trail and on the beachheads of Gona. When the war ended, he was in Borneo, and he later served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. After making a significant contribution to our country, he concluded his service in 1947.

When asked why he enlisted to fight Hitler and Tojo, his answer was incredibly simple. He said, 'I don't like bullies.' He was a humble man who never sought recognition. Reflecting on his service, he once said, 'I didn't do anything brave, but I served with many.' Today we acknowledge his life and his service, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his fellow veterans. May he rest in peace. Lest we forget.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a mark of respect to the memory of Les Cook, I ask all present to rise in their places.

Honourable members having stood in their places—

I thank the House.