Cossticks in the Great War

[Guest graham findlay]

I have four relatives who served in the War, all in the Royal Sussex Regt, all with the surname of Cosstick. Three were killed but one, Frederick, service no sd/303 or 104303 survived. Family legend has it that he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. It is known that he spent some time at Alnwick as a probable shell shock case. Any ideas about where I might find more info. would be greatly appreciated, he was my Grandfather.

[Guest mruk]

Hello Graham. Welcome.

I'm sorry I can't help you with information on the surviving brother [Grandfather], but I would just like to include the details of the three lads that died. I'm sure you're aware, these details can be found on the CWGC website. It was undoubtedly a tragic loss for your family.

Cosstick, Cyril Norman Sgt. No. 302 Date of Death: 20-9-1916 Age: 23 Cemetery-Memorial: Auchonvillers Military Cemetery. II. 1. 7. [son of Mr and Mrs Cosstick, Seaford, Sussex] Served with 11th Royal Sussex Regiment

Cosstick, Frederick Cpl. No. SD/300 Date of Death: 3-9-1916 Age: 27 Cemetery-Memorial: Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 7C [son of Mr and Mrs William Cosstick, 14 Church Road, Seaford, Sussex] Served with 11th Royal Sussex Regiment

Cosstick, R.H. L/Cpl. No. SD/301 Date of Death: 21-3-1918 Age: 23 Cemetery-Memorial: Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension. II. B. 15. [son of Mr and Mrs W. Cosstick, 22 Chichester Road, Seaford, Sussex] Served with 12th Royal Sussex Regiment

The best of luck with further research

Dave

PS: I've just re-read your posting, and it seems that Frederick died. There are also two men with the same name listed on the National Archive database. The first has the same name and number as above. The second man is Frederick H.G. Cosstick No. 104303 [Machine Gun Corps] and M/404738. Everything seems to tie-in with the info on the CWGC and NA-Medal Index Card, but there are some discreprancies between each. I'm a little confused now, and I'm not sure what to suggest. There's obviously an error somewhere. I'll re-check CWGC for F.H.G. Cosstick. Nope. It's the same as above. Maybe someone else can jump-in.

[Esskay]

Dave - presume Graham knows this - but might clarify the CWGC info

From the 1901 census - looks as though Cyril (then aged 9) and "R.H" - Reggie (6) - were sons of Walter and Annie CoNstick (presume mis-transcribed) who had a brother Fred (12) who must be the one Graham refers to as survived. They lived at 9 Chichester Road.

William and Ellen - then of Broad Street - also had a 12 year old son - also Frederick - who looks to be the one commemorated at Thiepval. He had brothers John (15) and Richard (14)

Guessing the two Freds were cousins of the same age.

Good Luck with sourcing more information

Sue

Hunter Valley NSW Australia

[Paul Reed]

Hi Graham - you might find this part of my site of interest:

http://www.battlefields1418.com/royalsussex.htm

There is a section on the battalions they all served in.

All three of your relatives enlisted on 7th September 1914, by the way.

[Guest]

My great uncle Frederick was sadly killed in the great war; he was a son of William Cosstick.  My grandfather Richard survived, gassed and with the loss ot an arm.  My father Frederick was named for my great uncle.  I am trying to find out what relative Walter Cosstick, father of your Frederick, was to my great grandfather William.