Corpl. R, Cottrell, of the Heavy Car Battalion of the Mechanical Transport, forwards the following information about his son, Pte. Arthur Cottrell, of the King’s Liverpool Regt., who was killed in action in France on August 21st, 1918. Pte. Cottrell, who joined the Liverpool “Pals” when they were formed in September, 1914, was 24 years of age. He went to France a year after enlistment, and was with the “Pals” until they were broken up, and the remnants drafted into other regiments. Pte. Cottrell was transferred to the King’s Liverpools as a Lewis gunner.
Before the outbreak of war he was employed as a clerk by the Gum Tragasol Supply CO., Hooton, which place he had worked at since leaving school. He was a very promising member of the Wirral Harriers and in 1914 won the sealed handicap in a six-mile cross-country run. He has three sisters who have been on national service work for the past two years. His home was at 6, Hadlow-terrace, Hadlow-road, Willaston.
Born in Rock Ferry, Cheshire, some time in September 1893, Arthur Cottrell was one of 11 children and the son of Raymond and Elizabeth. He was an avid runner and ran as part of the local Wirral Harriers.
After leaving school he worked as an office clerk at a nearby factory, until war broke out and he enlisted with the “Liverpool Pals”. His father also volunteered, signing up with a different regiment.
Arthur had fought in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and records show he was wounded just under a month prior to his death, on 25th September, 1918. Because of this, he was authorised to wear a “Wound Stripe” on his uniform.
He was killed by machine-gun fire on 21st August, 1918 during the Third Battle of Albert as his unit attempted to retake the Arras-Albert railway. He was 24 years old.
Private Arthur Cottrell is buried at the Douchy les Ayette British Cemetery, Pas de Calais.
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