William Frank Cook appointed Midshipman of HMAS AUSTRALIA with promotion and seniority of rank of 1 May 1934

Date3 September 1934

Object numberANMS1445[092]

NameLetter

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 335 × 210 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rhod Cook

Terms

SignificanceThe Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition was the first concerted effort by Australia to establish permanent scientific research stations in Antarctica following the end of the Second World War. In many respects, the ANARE was the precursor of today's Australian Antarctic Division, and the organisation persists today as a conglomerate of several Australian governmental and non-governmental organisations. HMAS Wyatt Earp was specifically selected for the inaugural expedition because it had been used in prior Antarctic voyages of exploration and research. It was the first--but by no means last--commissioned Royal Australian Navy vessel to partake in scientific voyages to Antarctica. The signal log pages chronicle Wyatt Earp's movements during the expedition, as well as weather conditions encountered by its crew, and other observations that are not mentioned in general histories of the expedition.

William Cook had a distinguished naval career, and served aboard notable Australian warships during the Second World War, including HMAS Perth (I), HMAS Voyager (I) and HMAS Nizam. He was mentioned in despatches for his service aboard Voyager during the Greek campaign in 1941. Awarded command of Nizam at the age of 28, Cook became the youngest Australian to command a destroyer during the conflict. He was later present at Tokyo Bay (while in command of Nizam) during the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on 2 September 1945.