Cadet Midshipman Frederick Norton Cook, 2nd Year Cadet, RAN College, Jervis Bay
Date1920
Object numberANMS1445[067]
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper, mounted on board
DimensionsOverall: 238 × 170 mm
Image: 135 × 90 mm
Image: 135 × 90 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rhod Cook
DescriptionPhotograph of Frederick Norton Cook as a Royal Australian Navy Cadet Midshipman, May 1920. This object is one of a large collection of documents, photographs, uniforms, ship badges and ephemera associated with the Royal Australian Navy service of brothers William Cook and Frederick Cook. Both men entered service prior to the Second World War, were seconded to the Royal Navy, and underwent training at Greenwich and Portsmouth.SignificanceThe Cadet Midshipman photographic portrait of Frederick Cook dates to the immediate post-First World War period, and is particularly significant because it depicts one of the types of dress uniforms worn by RAN cadets and cadet midshipmen at this time. It is one of three dated photographs in the collection that depict Cook in naval uniform at different phases of his career.Frederick Cook served with distinction during the Second World War and was mentioned in despatches twice. He was also presented to King George IV and awarded the DSC for gallantry. He was also the only Australian aboard HMS Royal Oak when it was torpedoed at Scapa Flow in September 1939, and one of only 400 of Royal Oak's complement of 1200 to survive the ship's loss.
