We first wrote about Edward Cobbold (1994) #1010 in February 2015 (click here), when at the very start of his naval career. Lord Freyberg (1889-1963) #3174, a New Zealand-born much-decorated war commander and Gallipoli hero featured in our tribute to the family’s four Victoria Crosses in June 2019 (click here) and we had previously reported on a Dawn Service on ANZAC Day in April 2013 (click here).
Since then, Edward has risen to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy. Last year he was awarded a Commendation at the time of a visit to BAE Systems, Adelaide, by the Head of the Australian Navy and later last year he was chosen to fulfil a two-year posting in Glasgow where he arrived, complete with partner and large dog in January.
On ANZAC Day this year (25th April), as the sun rose above the horizon the Royal British Legion conducted a Dawn Service at Comely Bank Cemetery, Edinburgh to commemorate the fallen in the Gallipoli campaign. Piper Mark Macrae played Flowers of the Forest as Lieutenant Commander Edward Cobbold laid a wreath and a Poppy Cross on behalf of all New Zealanders and Australians who died in WWI. Alongside Edward was Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President of Royal British Legion, Scotland.
Unusually for Commonwealth War Graves the granite headstones in the WWI section of the cemetery are laid flat, upon the instructions of the architect at the time, Sir Robert Lorimer.
Anthony Cobbold
Footnote of extraordinary coincidence!
Playing a computer game in Australia Edward #1010 discovered that his opponent’s name was also Edward but that this Edward was in England. On exchanging surnames. it was found that by pure coincidence, Edward #1010 in Australia was playing against Edward #902 in Knebworth!
