Soldier – Cocksedge, Private J. K.O.Y.L.I. – Died in Hospital

May 1915

Mexborough Times, May 8th

Died in Hospital
Private J Cocksedge

Mrs Cocksedge, 9, Station Road, Conisbrough, received a telegram on Tuesday morning, intimating that her son, Private John Cocksedge, K.O.Y.L.I. had died in hospital at Limpfield in Surrey.

Private Cocksedge was wounded by a shot which entered his back in the shoulder blade, and came out near his breast. The wound was received in Easter week.

A comrade in hospital spoke of the courage of his chum Cocksedge has written frequently to his mother, stating that he was suffering much pain, but was looking forward to coming home when convalescent, and having a sight of the old castle and walks of Conisbrough. Mrs Cocksedge received a cheerful letter from her son the day previous to his death. He subsequently underwent an operation and died suddenly.

Private Cocksedge was a fine young fellow, only 19 years of age. He was formerly a scholar at station road school, under Mr Sellers. The mission of the hospital sent the sad news to his sorrowing mother, whose husband is also at the front. The father wrote the day after the news of the sons death, telling his wife that he was going into the trenches that they, also stating that the region in which he was present had been heavily shelled by the enemy.

Mrs Cocksedge was in great grief and anxiety, as can be naturally expected after such sad and dangerous news from our loved ones