Name
Philip George Cogan
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
13/03/1915
27
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
4/7270
Bedfordshire Regiment
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LE TOURET MEMORIAL
Panel 10 and 11.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St Mary the Virgin Church Memorial, Furneux Pelham
Pre War
Philip George Cogan was born on 7th January 1888 in Collingbourne Ducis, Wilts, the third of four sons born to William James Cogan and Louisa Ann Cogan (nee Burriss), and baptised there on 15th February 1888. The family moved to Furneux Pelham at some time in the 1890s.
In the 1901 census, all four brothers were living with their parents in Lower East End, Furneux Pelham. Ten years later, the family had moved to Pheasant Hall, Furneux Pelham, and Philip George was the only son still at home, working alongside his father, as a labourer, at Patient End Farm. In the winter months, he worked as a maltster in the Rayments brewery in the village. On 15th March 1913, he married Julia Hutchin of Albury in the church of St Mary The Virgin, Furneux Pelham.
Wartime Service
All four brothers were regular soldiers in the Bedfordshire Regiment. Philip George served in the 2nd battalion, the Bedfordshire Regiment. He arrived in France on 11th November 1914 and joined the rest of the battalion at Bailleul the following day. The remainder of the year was spent on a relatively quiet front around Fleurbaix. In March 1915, the battalion was engaged in the Battle of Neuve Chappelle. On 12th March, Philip George volunteered to take part in a successful grenade attack to recapture a trench lost earlier in the day. This successful action resulted in its leader, Captain CC Foss, being awarded the Victoria Cross. On the next day, Philip George was killed.
The Hertfordshire Mercury Midweek dated 11/3/2015 has an article which gives the following information:
"Two Hertfordshire man were among a band of nine soldiers whose actions exactly 100 years ago saw their leader (*1) receive the highest honor for bravery.
Almost 50 German soldiers were taken prisoner by the small band of men who, armed with grenades, attacked their trenches on March 12, 1915.
Among the heroes were Ashwell man Herbert Smith and Phillip Cogan, from Furneux Pelham."
*1 Captain Charles Foss (VC)
The article confirms that both men had arrived in France on November 11th, 1914 and that the above action took place around Neuve Chapelle in northern France. During a previous attack the battalion suffered 60 casualties and then another 30 the following day after digging in. They had dug new trenches, but when a neighbouring trench was overrun they were left in a dangerous position. In the first attempt to recapture it 19 out of 21 men were killed. It was after this that Captain Foss led the action referred to above. Phillip died in the action of the following day.
Additional Information
The Medal Rolls Index records the award of the British Medal, Victory Medal and 1914 Star, for which the qualifying date was 11th November 1914. His service will, also dated 11th November 1914, leaves the whole of his property and effects to his wife Julia of Pheasant Hall, Furneux Pelham A newspaper article on Cap C Foss, which includes information on Phillip, is included in our Archive under Biographies (HAW) - Additional Information. It also gives information on Herbert Smith, from Ashwell, who also died.
Acknowledgments
Dr Stephen Bratt, Martin Ford
