Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

In From The Cold - 30.05.08


Terry Denham

Recommended Posts

CWGC added the following 'new' WW1 casualty to its Debt of Honour database today – Friday 30th May.

Cpl Anthony COBBAN

811562 50 Bn, Canadian Infantry

Died 17.01.20 Age 36

Buried: Huntly Cemetery, Aberdeenshire, UK

NOT FORGOTTEN

Cpl COBBAN was put forward by GWF on 23.01.08 on behalf of member, kinnethmont.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Firstly can I publicly thank Terry for all the help and assistance he has given me over many years and for submitting my research on Tony Cobban to CWGC.

Anthony Cobban was born at 12 Torry Street, Huntly, Aberdeenshire on 31st October 1883 to Anthony Adrian Cobban, Carter (Master) and his wife Jane ms Mitchell. In 1892 his father built a house at 5 Market Street, Huntly and this remained with their decendants until recent times.

Anthony was working as a Bridge Builder in Edmonton, Alberta when he enlisted as Tony Cobban into the 138th Overseas Battalion C.E.F. there on 30th December 1915. He crossed to England from Halifax, Nova Scotia on the SS Olympic ( sister of Titanic) arriving at Liverpool on 30th August 1916 and was based at the Canadian Camp near Bramshott, Hampshire.

He was transfered to the 50th Battn. on 14th Nov 1916 when he proceeded to France. He was wounded in action in May (GSW and shrapnel) and returned to duty 6 months later. He was again hospitilised with Tonsilitis and Laryngitis on 17th July 1918, rejoining his unit on the 24th.

Tony was seriously wounded in action near Arras on 13th August. Described as a GSW to the chest, he suffered a spinal fracture and was instantly paralysed below the waist. He was evacuated to the UK and was in various hospitals in London where he was dangerously or seriously ill for the next six months.

Tony's case was considered by a Medical Board in May 1919 and he was given a medical discharge as " unfit for further service " but noted he was a permanant invalid who required the care of a nursing home. He was officially discharged from the Canadian Infantry on 11th June 1919.

It appears they lost contact with him after discharge and in consequence his death was not officialy recorded until 2008

Tony Cobban spent his last few months in his native North East in Morningfield Hospital, Aberdeen. His parents lived in nearby Huntly, his sister in Aberdeen.

He died at Morningfield Hospital on 17th January 1920 and was buried in the family grave at Huntly Cemetery.

The omission of Tony's name by CWGC and the Canadian military authorities came to light when I found he was named on the Huntly War Memorial but there existed no official recognition of his war related death. Fortunately his Death Certificate gave the cause of his death as being the same medical reasons for his discharge from the army ( fracture of spine and paraplegia).

811562, Cpl Anthony (Tony) Cobban, 50th Battalion, Canadian Infantry

MISSING NO MORE

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rest in Peace Anthony

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MAY HE REST IN PEACE

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Raising a glass to the memory of Anthony & another to Jas for his efforts in bringing another in from the cold

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Census details 1891 Census 202 Huntly En Dis 2/132 : 79 George St;

Census details 1901 Census 202 Huntly En Dis 1/37: 5 Market St;

Register of Voters 15 May 1919: Anthony & Mrs Jean Cobban.

Details about where the family lived.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good to see yet another man coming in from the cold, weel done everyone.

R.I.P. Anthony

Andy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...