Cyril Cooke facts for kids

Air Marshal Sir Cyril Bertram Cooke, KCB, CBE (born June 28, 1895 – died September 27, 1972) was a very important officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was in charge of the RAF Maintenance Command from 1947 to 1949. He played a big role in both the First World War and the Second World War.

Sir Cyril Cooke's Military Journey

Sir Cyril Cooke had a long and impressive career in the military. He started in the army and then moved to the air force.

Early Military Service

Cooke began his military journey during the First World War. He first served in the Royal Artillery. This was the part of the British Army that used large guns. In 1915, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the early air force of Britain.

In April 1918, something big happened. The Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed. It combined the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. Sir Cyril Cooke became an important leader in this new air force. He was appointed the Officer Commanding No. 188 Squadron. This meant he was in charge of that flying unit.

After the war, he continued to serve. In 1924, he became the Officer Commanding No. 20 Squadron. He also worked at technical training schools. In 1935, he was a wing commander at the No. 1 School of Technical Training. By 1939, he was in charge of the No. 6 School of Technical Training. These schools taught people how to maintain and fix aircraft.

Service in World War II

Sir Cyril Cooke played a vital role during the Second World War. He held several key positions. In February 1941, he became the Chief Maintenance Officer at the RAF Headquarters in the Middle East. This meant he oversaw all aircraft repairs and upkeep in that region.

Later in 1941, he was put in charge of No. 206 (Maintenance) Group. This group was responsible for keeping many aircraft ready for action. From December 1942, he led the No. 4 School of Technical Training. He continued to ensure that the RAF had skilled people to maintain its planes.

In 1944, he moved to the Air Ministry. This is the government department that managed the RAF. He became the Director of Technical Training in June 1944. Later that year, he was the Director of Maintenance and Supply for the Allied air forces in the Mediterranean. He ended the war as the Air Officer Commanding No. 43 Group. This group handled aircraft maintenance and supply.

After the Wars

After the Second World War, Sir Cyril Cooke continued his important work. He became the Director-General of Servicing and Maintenance at the Air Ministry. His final major role was as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Maintenance Command. He held this top position from 1947 until he retired in 1949.

Personal Life

Beyond his military duties, Sir Cyril Cooke had other interests. He enjoyed shooting and took part in the National Shooting Competition at Bisley. This is a famous place for shooting sports in the UK. He was also the Chairman of the Royal Air Force (County) Football Association. This shows he supported sports within the RAF.

Sir Cyril Cooke had a son named John Cooke. His son also joined the RAF and became a senior officer. John Cooke rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and became the Dean of Air Force Medicine. This means he was a top medical leader in the RAF.