Cooke was one of Canada's first - and youngest - naval recruits.

As well as serving in HMCS Niobe, Cooke also ventured to London, England, with the 1911 Coronation Contingent, where Niobe crew members were included in the coronation celebrations for King George V. Boy sailors were often part of ships' crews in the early twentieth century, performing a variety of duties including carrying messages and serving in gun crews.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19820190-039