THE short life of Arthur Cottee as read out by Obehi from Stewards Academy.

Thank you to Mr King and the Humanities Department from Stewards Academy.

This project has been supported by Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never forget.

Arthur Cottee

Arthur’s parents were Charles Cottee, born in Chelmsford in 18591 and Sarah Emma Clark, born in Tottenham in 18622. They married in Edmonton in 18833. Arthur Cottee was born in Harlow in 18864.

The 1891 census shows Arthur and his family living in Parndon Road. He is residing with his parents and sibling Alfred. Charles was working as a shoemaker. The 1901 census shows that the family had moved to ‘Woodhill’ in Great Parndon. By now Arthur, aged 15, was also working as a shoemaker. The census also revealed that Arthur’s brother Alfred had died at a young age.

By 1911 Arthur and his parents had moved to Water Lane. Both Charles and Arthur were working as shoemakers. Charles and Sarah had a further child, however, they also died, leaving Alfred the sole living child.

Private Arthur Cottee, 4492, enlisted in Epping in December 1915, joining The Essex Regiment. He later served with the 1st Battalion of The Hertfordshire Regiment. The Hertfordshire Regiment spent the opening months of 1917 holding the line near Ypres and preparing to attack in late July.

Arthur was killed in action on 8 July 1917 and is buried in Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. Plot 1, row N, grave 49. Register Index Number Bel.6.