Name
Sydney Frank Cobb
21 Apr 1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
16/06/1917
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Bombardier
300539
Canadian Field Artillery
4th Bde.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VILLERS STATION CEMETERY, VILLERS-AU-BOIS
VIII. D. 2.
France
Headstone Inscription
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS
UK & Other Memorials
Potters Bar, Little Heath & Bentley Heath Memorial, Potters Bar, All Souls Chapel Book of Remembrance, Potters Bar
Pre War
Sydney Francis Cobb was born in Little Irchester, Northants on 21 Apr 1893 (baptised 17 Jun 1894 in Irchester) to Samuel Cobb and Julia (nee Abbott).
On the 1901 Census the family of parents, Alfred (born 1877), Ernest (born 1886) Sydney, and Gladys (born 1886) wer living at 7, Milton Road, Irchester, Northants. There were also Herbert George (born 18810, Frederick (born 1879) and Gertrude (born 1885) but not recorded on this census.
His father died in 1905.
On the 1911 Census Sydney Frank was working as a baker’s assistant residing in High Road, South Mimms, Potters Bar with his Brother Herbert George (baker & confectioner) and family of Herbert’s wife Maggie, and children Cyril Herbert (born 1909, Hilda Maggie (born 1910) His mother was living 18 Knox road Wellingborough.
Sydney migrated to Canada in 4 Apr 1913 in company with his eldest Brother Alfred and his wife Sarah.
Wartime Service
Sydney attested on 20 Aug 1915 at Barriefield, Kingston, Ontario as Gunner 300539 3rd Battery Canadian Field Artillery. Although Sidney’s Service Record is available there are no entries to record his departure for the UK, His arrival or details of his service until he is recorded at Shorncliffe UK on 25 Oct 1915 when he was posted to 5th Brigade CFA on 10 Jan 1916. He landed in France on 19 Jan 1916 at Le Havre. On 22 May 1916 Sydney was posted to 4th Brigade CFA in 2nd Canadian Division.
On 18 Feb 1917 he was posted as Instructor to 1st Army Signal School. Promoted Bombardier on 11 May 1917. (It is presumed he rejoined 4th Brigade). 2nd Canadian Division fought at 3rd Battle of the Scarpe 3-4 May 1917.
Sydney was killed in action on 16 Jun 1917 during the Flanking Operations towards Lens (3 Jun-26 Aug 1917).
Additional Information
His mother received a separation allowance 20 Canadian Dollars and later a pension of 40 Dollars. both weekly. A Mr J A McIver of Yorkton P.O, Sask, Canada, ordered his headstone inscription: "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS".
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
