Edward was born 10th September 1894, in South Shields, and resided at 112 Commercial Road. He was the son of John Cockburn (an engine fitter) and his wife Mary Ellen Cockburn.

He was educated at the Holy Trinity Boys school joining 1st July 1901, leaving in 1906. He attended South Shields Boys' High School from the 13th September 1906.

Edward was employed at Readheads. In 1911 he was boarding at 24 Audley Road, Gosforth. His occupation then was noted as a Railway Clerk.

Edward enlisted in September 1914, in Newcastle, an early recruit by his service number. He arrived in France 22nd November 1915.

He was killed on the 1st July 1916. 'A' and 'B' Companies were chosen to lead the attack.

"The leading waves of the Battalion were forced to lie down, many finding cover by sheltering in shell holes. 'C' Company who had moved up to the front line had seen the slaughter of their comrades, and tried to help, but they also suffered just as bad, 1 platoon from 'D' Company went out in to No Mans Land to help their stricken comrades. The rest of 'D' Company manned the Fire-step and provided rapid covering fire onto the Germans standing or kneeling on their parapet."

The Newcastle Journal on 15/08/1916, listed him as missing.

He is remembered at Harton on H104.06, at South Shields on S86.019, S86.039 in S86.081 page 1, S86.082, S86.90, S86.107, S86.130 and in Newcastle on NUT068 page 100, 154 and 178

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Private Cockburn