Able Seaman, R/4256, RNVR, Hawke Battalion, RN Division. Died of wounds, aged 19, on 9 October 1918 at the Western Front.
Joined the Army Reserve on 30 September 1916. Entered on 26 June 1917. Joined the BEF draft to Hawke Battalion on 18 October 1917. Suffered ICT (inflammation to connective tissue) to heels from 13 November to 4 December 1917. Rejoined Hawke Battalion from 5 February to 13 March 1918, when he was gassed and then invalided to the UK on 22 March 1918. Rejoined the BEF draft on 9 July 1918. Rejoined Hawke Battalion on 27 August 1918. Died of gunshot wounds in the legs and left arm at the 29th Casualty Clearing Station during the Battle of Cambrai. The Battalion War Diary records that Hawke Battalion was successful in attaining their objectives during the battle and received written congratulations from the Corps Commander. They suffered 114 casualties during the battle.
Born at Holyhead on 15 October 1898 the son of Arthur Cotton of 3 Bodlondeb Street, Holyhead. Brother of Charles Thomas Cotton. (Lost on HMS Genista, October 1916). Able Seaman Cotton had previously been employed as a Cleaner at the Locomotive Sheds, LNWR, Holyhead.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Buried at Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny, France. Also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour.