ANZAC Search

George Cook - Information

George was born in Camden c1875 to Richard and Jane Cook. The Cook family eventually relocated to Gipps St in Balmain. When George was older, he supported himself working as a pike fitter. He then decided to enlist in the AIF in Darlinghurst on the 30th of June 1917. George had enrolled in the 1st Sportsmen Battalion, and commenced his training at the Royal Showground Camp in Sydney. He was then taken to the 1st Infantry Depot Battalion in Liverpool. On the 22nd of October, he was posted to the 21st Reinforcements, 18th Battalion, as a Private. However, during training, Commanding Officers noticed that George had grave difficulty keeping up with the other recruits. His physique was below standard, and it was uncovered that he had a history of alcoholism. This resulted in muscle spasms, tremulous shaking and attacks of vomiting. He also had a history of arrests and of alcoholic gastritis. He was tagged medically unfit and was discharged from military service.