Thursday 15 November 2007

Lieutenant Robert Harvey Cochran, MC

Born on 21 July 1887 in Ramsay, Ontario - son of Mrs. Catherine Cochran, Almonte, Ontario - enlistment records provide the following: trade as insurance agent, single, no current or previous military service, Wesleyan, height of 5 feet 9 inches, weight of 150 pounds, chest of 39 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, gray eyes, black hair.

Joined the 130th Battalion, CEF, in Arnprior, Ontario, on 4 January 1916 (number 788260) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion on 14 November 1916 - sent to England for Officer Training Course on 5 October 1917 - commissioned as a Lieutenant - rejoined the 38th Battalion on 3 June 1918 - killed in action on 29 October 1918 - buried in Denain Communal Cemetery (grave A.19), France.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations in the vicinity of Bourlon from September 27th/30th, 1918. In the initial attack on September 27th he led his platoon in a most determined manner. On September 28th his company commander became a casualty and he assumed command, handling it throughout with marked skill and judgment. On the 29th he led his company in its advance; and during consolidation he set a splendid example to his men under heavy machine-gun fire, encouraging them to hold on in a very trying position." - unit recommendation dated 6 October 1918: "For bravery and conscientious devotion to duty during operations in vicinity of Bourlon, 28th Sept to 30th Sept 1918."

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