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Son of Edward Fisher Cochrane and Frances Cochrane, of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Educated at the Grey Institute and was a credit to his school, both in the classroom and in athletics. The Mining Management of Johannesburg conceived a plan of employing a body of educated and responsible young men to learn and work at the practical side of gold mining, Cochrane volunteered. Cochrane, together with eighty others, migrated to the Rand. Although the scheme ultimately failed in its purpose, the knowledge and experience gained by these young men was extremely useful. Cochrane's real ambition was farming. It was a red-letter day in his life when he joined B. K. Mayo, who had recently settled on the farm ''Sunnyside'', Thornhill. Shortly afterwards, Mr Mayo travelled to England and Holland to secure some cattle for the farm. On Mayo's return, Cochrane joined the Southern Rifles which embarked on the South West African campaign. Together with his friend, St John Matthews, they both journeyed to England where they acquired commissions in the 4th Staffordshire Regiment. Matthews was drafted to France first and was killed shortly afterwards. Meanwhile Cochrane was detained in England for over a year training and instructing troops. He was transferred to France and promoted to Captain as he had proved to be a capable officer. Commemoration stone in Port Elizabeth (South End) Cemetery |
