Charles Edward Cocker

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

3310668

Unit at enlistment:

2nd Depot Battalion, 2nd Central Ontario Regiment

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Conscripted

Survived the war:

Yes

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Brantford, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

39 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

39 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Automobile Mechanic

Religious denominations:

Presbyterian

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Letters home

BX September 14, 1918

Boys Wanted a Crack at Huns – Canadian Boys were Anxious to Get Over from England

Private Charles Edward Cocker, who enlisted recently, writes to his mother, Mrs. Harry Johnson, 39 ½ Colborne Street, from Seaford, England, and tells her about meeting several Brantford boys.

“Roy Lavery,” he says, “is still with me and is my bedfellow. Last night it was very cold and I took all his covers and he certainly gave me ----.

“We get lots to eat, mother,” he goes on to say “and believe me it is good.”

He continues that he was in a draft and expected shortly to go to France. “The boys are just crazy to get to France. They all think that the war is going to end and they want to get a crack at the Germans. The Canadians are certainly giving them hell at present. I would like to get at them myself for I am in England and would like to see France.” He mentions that George Harp had been coming to see him every night. He was wounded pretty badly, and was going back to Canada shortly. Harry Van Fleet was also a frequent visitor. In a letter received since he recorded reaching France. Pte. Cocker enlisted at Hamilton not being called under the M.S.A.