Private Barry Cocks remembered for bravery near Caen

Private Barry Cocks of Leader, Sask., was among the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives in the battle to liberate France during the Second World War.

Born June 16, 1922, Cocks was the fourth of seven children of David and Esther Cocks of Leader. Before the war, he worked in his father’s dray business until he was called up for National Resources Mobilization Act training in Regina in 1942.

He later joined the Regina Rifle Regiment, part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Regina Rifles landed on Juno Beach, in the Nan Green sector, with the task of advancing inland to capture the city of Caen.

Cocks was killed in action by a sniper near Caen on July 17, 1944. His close friend, Private Alfred Nagel, also of Leader, carried him to safety in a nearby church, where Cocks died of his wounds. The church pastor later sent Cocks’ pack home to his father in Leader, keeping a promise he had made to the young soldier before he died.

Private Cocks is commemorated at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.

In recognition of his sacrifice, Cocks Lake, located along the Saskatchewan–Northwest Territories border, was named in his honour.