No.241370, Private, Sidney COBBOLD
Aged 29
|
Bertram Sidney Cobbold was born in Bradfield St George (2nd qtr 1888 Thingoe 4a:711) son of William and Clementina Augusta COBBOLD (née LAST).Baptised
in Bradfield St George on 2nd September 1888.
1891 census...Aged 3 (as Bertram), he was in Bradfield St George with his father William COBBOLD [38] farm labourer born Rougham; his mother Clementina [30] born Rougham; brother William [5] and an un-named brother [1 month], presumed to be Cecil. 1901 census...Aged 13 (as Bertram) a labourer he was at Free Wood Street, Bradfield St George with his parents, brothers William (labourer), Cecil [10] and Ernest [5]; sister Mabel[1]. All the children were born in Bradfield St George 1911 census...Aged 23 a labourer, he was at Maypole Green, Bradfield St George with his parents, brothers William (carter), Frank(Cecil) (labourer) and Ernest (labourer); sisters Mabel [11] and Olive [7] On the pension card his parents are at the Fox and Hounds, Bradfield St George |
|
He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds. Lt Col Murphy's "History of the Suffolk Regiment" has:- In April 1918 the 11th Suffolks (often referred to as the "Cambridgeshires") were at La Rolanderie with the 12th Suffolks nearby at Fleurbaix. On the 9th the Germans opened in intensive barrage south of the Lille railway but no attack developed along the 34th Division front. 101st Brigade ( of which 11th Suffolks were part) set off as Corps Reserves to the south of Bac St Maur. An hour later news came that the Germans had broken through the Portuguese front and were entering the 40th Division zone. With that, the 101st Brigade were ordered to cover the flank, but they found Bac St Maur occupied by the Germans and took up position facing west and south west near Fort Rompu and began fighting immediately. A strange occurrence, when the Corps Reserve were actually the first to engage the enemy. Terrific fighting followed and on the 10th the Suffolks formed a defensive flank, beating off attack after attack. Twice the Germans broke through and twice were thrown back. At 3:20 pm they were ordered to withdraw to behind the River Lys. The struggle continued until on the night of 17th/18th when they were relieved, moving back first into reserve trenches and three days later back to Boeschepe. These battles of the Lys cost the battalion nearly 500 casualties, CWGC figures give 116 dead. 64 of these were on the 9th April. Sidney's death was presumed to be during this period
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
