Cochrane James Leyden L/Sergt 18373

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: Cochrane;

Forename(s): James Leyden;

Initials: JL;

Number: 18373;

Rank: L/Sergt;

Born in: Cavers, Hawick, Roxburgh;

Enlisted in: Hawick;

Resided in: Dunholme;

Previous Number: 16069;

Previous Battalion: 12 of;

Previous Regiment: R Scots;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 48 Bn;

Date abroad: 11-May-1915;

Theatre of War: 1;

How killed: KIA;

Where: Italy;

When killed: 15-Jun-1918;

Other Data: See "The 48th Division in Italy" Lt Col GH Barnett, P72: Date 15/6/1918 - "The breach effected at Perghele was much more serious. As stated in the preceding chapter the weakest part of the Divisional Front was the junction of the two Brigades owing partly to the dead ground in front afforded by the dense woods and the steep ravine of the Ghelpac and partly to the fact that the front line posts were none too well sited, and some of them were unable to see the posts on their right and left. What actually happened at the point of break-through is somewhat a matter of conjecture as the troops holding the front line at this point were practically all killed or missing; but from inspection of the line after it was retaken by the Division on the 16th the probable course of events could be traced. One or possibly two posts close to the junction were destroyed together with the whole of their garrisons, during the preliminary bombardment and barrage by direct hits from heavy shells. The attackers, taking advantage of this, filtered in, and immediately turning outwards were able to take the next posts in flank and even reverse. From the amount of empty cartridge cases lying about, and the number of dead Austrians found, there was abundant evidence of these posts having put up a fine fight until they were overwhelmed by numbers and destroyed by bombs. One post of two guns of the 48 MG Battalion, posted just behind the front line at this point, were all knocked out, and from the nature of their wounds, must have been killed by bombs.
The Sergeant in charge had evidently just emptied his revolver, and was in the act of reloading when killed.

1914-15 Star roll;

Other Notes: COCHRANE, Lance Serjeant, JAMES LEYDEN, 18373. 48th Bn. Machine Gun Corps. 15th June 1918. Age 25. Son of William and Ellen Cochrane, of Leyden's Cottage, Denholm, Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Plot 3. Row A. Grave 12. Boscon British Cemetery, Italy.;

END OF RECORD.

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.