Ken Cooke, who took part in D-Day in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York.
Conferring the honour took place at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, at the city’s Guildhall this evening (Thursday 16 July).
Mr Cooke, aged 100, was a member of the former infantry regiment, the Green Howards, officially known as The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment).
As part of the 7th Battalion, Ken landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when he was 18 years old.
He returned to Normandy in June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Campaign. He went to Gold Beach where he spread the ashes of Flying Officer Douglas Petty. He also visited Sword Beach and spread the ashes of Sid Metcalfe. Ken was 98 years old at the time. He also revisited the beaches in 2025.
Ken’s long service to honour those who fought alongside him and his commitment to volunteering, spending time in schools educating younger generations on the realities of war, lead the Council to pass a motion to make him an Honorary Freeman of the City of York.
Ken walked to the Extraordinary meeting at the Guildhall through a guard of honour formed by volunteers, veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.
At the meeting, the motion to make Ken a Freman was proposed by the city’s Armed Forces Advocate, Cllr Martin Rowley, and seconded by the city’s Armed Forces Champion and Council Leader, Cllr Claire Douglas.
Ken Cooke said:
I’m deeply honoured and very excited to receive this honour: I never thought it would happen to me. I accept becoming a Freeman for all the lads who never came home, in the spirit of remembrance and comradeship and to help keep their memory alive.”
The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said:
“The title of Honorary Freeman is a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour.
“The Freedom is an honour, reflecting the eminence of the person on whom it is conferred, and as a recognition of their significant and valuable services rendered to the city. I’m delighted to witness Ken’s Oath of Affirmation and welcome him into this group of extraordinary people.”
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:
“Few people earn this privilege, and I believe Ken is the oldest person to be conferred this honour in its illustrious history. I’ve met Ken a number of times and have been humbled by his commitment to our city, nation and communities.
“Ken is an Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial and a long-term member of York Normandy Veterans. It’s a huge privilege for me to be a part of this decision to honour a person of such distinction and dedication. He’s a true inspiration to us all.”
Fellow Honorary Freemen include the actor Dame Judi Dench DBE and composer John Barry. The full list of current Freemen is at: https://freemenofyork.co.uk/honoraryfreemen/