Ken Cooke, who took part in the D-Day landings in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. The special honour was officially conferred during an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, which took place at the city’s Guildhall yesterday, Thursday 16th July.
Mr Cooke, who is 100 years old, 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 regiment’s 7th Battalion, Ken landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when he was just 18 years old.
Decades after his wartime service, Ken remains deeply committed to honouring those who fought alongside him. At 98 years old, he returned to Normandy in June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Campaign. While there, he visited Gold Beach to spread the ashes of Flying Officer Douglas Petty and also visited Sword Beach to spread the ashes of Sid Metcalfe. Ken subsequently revisited the historic beaches in 2025.
It is Ken’s long service to honour his fellow soldiers and his dedicated commitment to volunteering, spending time in local schools educating younger generations on the realities of war, that led the Council to pass the motion to make him an Honorary Freeman of the City of York. Following a reception at the Mansion House, Ken walked to the Guildhall through a guard of honour formed by volunteers, veterans, and serving Armed Forces personnel.
At the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, the motion 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.
Speaking about the achievement, 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, added: “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.”
By receiving the title, Mr Cooke joins a selective group of historical and modern figures to hold the Freedom of the City, with fellow Honorary Freemen including the actor Dame Judi Dench DBE and the composer John Barry.
