AN APPEAL for pictures of one of seven brothers from Pershore who served in the First World War has been launched.
Private Thomas Herbert Cosnett was the third casualty from the town in the conflict when he died on January 19 1915 at Flanders.
And to mark the centenary, Trudy Burge, Pershore and District Royal Naval Association branch secretary has asked if any local residents have pictures of the town’s fallen hero.
The son of Thomas and Amelia Cosnett of Church Street, Pershore and known as ‘Bob’, Pvt Cosnett he was one of seven brothers who all enlisted and served their country throughout the war.
King George V sent his congratulations to the Cosnett family on their sons bravery on November 30 1915, but sadly by that time they had lost not only Bob but also his brother John in May.
Pvt Cosnett lost his life after being hit by a bullet on January 18, he passed away from the wounds the following day.
He had seen 12 years of active service and served through the Boer War, and although he took part in several engagements, emerged unscathed from what was a bloody conflict.
Pvt Cosnett wrote many optimistic letters home which always told of his prediction they would ‘get through all right’, a prediction sadly unfulfilled.
He proudly sent gifts from Princess Mary’s – a pipe and box of tobacco with a card wishing the soldiers a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year – home to his father with instructions to keep them safe.
The Colonel of the D Company, 2nd Worcesters wrote his parents informing them of his demise while Lord Kitchener’s black-edged letter also expressed the ‘true sympathy of his Majesty and the Queen in their sorrow.’
A fellow Private, William Sharpe also expressed his sorrow to Mr and Mrs Cosnett and paid his own special tribute to his comrade and friend.
“Poor Bob was a devoted friend of mine ever since we came to France.
“He was buried with military honours in the town cemetery at Bethune. I must say no one could have shown a braver spirit than Bob, he set an example to all.
“My comrades and I very much miss him, and greatly sympathise with you in your bereavement.” he added.
Anyone with pictures of Pvt Cosnett can e-mail [email protected] for more information.
