John Bernard Croak VC was born at Little Bay Newfoundland. When four years old he moved with his parents to Glace Bay’s New Aberdeen District in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. He attended Aberdeen School and St John’s School. Afterwards he worked as a coal miner.

In 1914 he traveled to Western Canada and on his way home volunteered for overseas service. After basic training at Sussex New Brunswick he transferred to the 13^th Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada, later the Black Watch).

On 8 August 1918 on the first day of the Allied offensive, John Croak of the 13^th Canadian Infantry Battalion became separated from his platoon, east of Amiens France. Encountering a German machine gun nest, he overwhelmed it with hand grenades, captured the gun and took the crew prisoner.

Shortly afterward he was wounded, but when his platoon ran up against another strong point he insisted on attacking the enemy position. Croak, who was the first to reach the enemy trench, led his men in capturing three machine guns, bayoneting the enemy and forcing the entire garrison to surrender. However, Croak was so severely wounded, he soon died of his wounds.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his inspiring and courageous leadership. Croak is buried in Hangar Wood British cemetery in France.