John Cook

Major John Cook VC was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. An officer of the Bengal Staff Corps who transferred to the 5th Gurkha Rifles, Cook was a veteran of the Umbeyla Campaign who received the VC posthumously for his actions during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

During his service with the Indian Army, Cook participated in multiple campaigns along the frontier, distinguishing himself as a courageous leader. His actions during the Second Anglo-Afghan War ultimately cost him his life, but earned him the nation's highest military decoration for valor.

His Victoria Cross and associated campaign medals were later acquired by the Michael Ashcroft Trust and are currently on display at the Imperial War Museum in London, preserving the legacy of his dedicated service to the British and Indian military forces.