Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Edwin Elmer Cossey was born in Raveningham, Norfolk in 1887,  to parents John and Elizabeth (nee Hunting).  John was the returning officer and registrar of births and deaths, and a respected member of the community.  Edwin went to Albert Memorial College in Framlingham (now Framlingham College) and was listed as a pupil there in 1901.  By 1911, he was living in lodgings at Fulham, London with his sister Madge, who was a teacher.  Edwin was a clerk for a chemical manufacturer.

Private Cossey passed through Peterborough East Station on 10 August 1916 and signed the visitors’ book with a quote from Sir Walter Scott “Money can repay the debt but only kindness can requite kindness”.  His service record could not be located but his book entry reveals he was serving with the Highland Light Infantry. In May 1917, he was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 5^th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

He married Janet Agnew (surname unknown) after the war but it is not known where or when.  In 1939, they were living in Beckenham, Kent, in a house named ‘Raveningham’ after the village where he was born.  By this time he is listed as a chemical fertilizer company director.

He died in 1954 aged 67, whilst living in Beckenham, leaving £18,000 to his widow Janet.

Do you recognise this soldier?  Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Edwin Cossey.