William Cotton
He was a lace dresser
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William Cotton was born in 1876 at Nottingham, he was the son of the late Joseph a tailor and the late Emma Cotton née Chaplin and the brother of Edward, Joseph, Henry and Kate Cotton. The family address was 6 Independent Hill Colwick Street Sneinton Nottingham.
His father Jospeh was born in 1848 in Nottingham, he died in 1912 aged 64 yrs, his mother Emma Chaplin was born in 1849 at Nottingham, she died in 1919 aged 70 yrs, they were married on 31st January 1869 at St Marys Church, Nottingham, they went on to have 12 children, sadly 6 were to die in infancy or early childhood.
In the 1911 census the family are living at 23 Richmond Street, Nottingham, Joseph 63 yrs is a tailor he is living with his wife Emma 62 yrs and two of their children, William 30 yrs a hawker and Henry 18 yrs a bottler.
Private William Cotton enlisted at Derby on 23rd June 1902 giving his age as 18 yrs and 9 months, he was a lace dresser he served with the 2nd battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, saw service in China and Strait Settlements from 1903 to 16th June 1905. He went to France 11th October 1914 and was killed in action, 11th November 1915, aged 39, whilst on a digging party near La Brique, Belgium.
Buried : La Brique Military Cemetery No.2, Belgium. Plot 1. Row P. Grave 24.
His personal effects were a wallet, two religious books, a letter, a card, four photos and a mirror.
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of William Cotton
Cotton William photograph is courtesy of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment roll of honour website
Photo of William Cotton
La Brique Military Cemetery No 2, Belgium