World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
Arthur Cockburn
Forename(s):
Arthur
Surname:
Cockburn
Initial(s):
A
Service Number:
2633
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Australian Imperial Force, Australian Light Infantry, 56th Battalion
Died:
26/09/1917
Aged:
25
Buried:
Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper
Service History:
Enlisted on 20 June 1916, & left for the Western Front towards the end of 1916.
Cockburn was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood, the first major battle for the Australian 5th Division which was 'almost annihilated'. Casualties were severe with the Division losing 545 men killed, 172 missing & 2,303 wounded.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 32)
Background:
Born in 1892, the fifth child & third son of William Cockburn (a Farm Bailiff), by his wife, Martha Ann Cockburn (née Steel) of Waterside Farm, West Thirston, Felton, Northumberland.
On completion of his education at school, Cockburn, too, worked on the farm until, in 1911, he emigrated to Australia, to start a new life at Thuddungra, New South Wales.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 32)
Local Memorial:
Felton War Memorial incorporating Acton, Eshott, Swarland & Thirston