Cochrane | John Ernest Charles | | Captain | COCHRANE, JOHN ERNEST CHARLES JAMES, Captain, was born 15 April 1870, eldest son of John Cochrane, of Edenmore, Stranorlar, County Donegal, and of Combermore, Lifford. He was educated at Sherborne School, and Trinity College, Dublin (BA, 1893; FRGS). Member of the Institute of Automobile Engineers. He joined the Donegal Artillery 16 November 1895. He was selected for service with the Lagos Hausa Force in 1895, and served with the Expedition to the Gold Coast Hinterland, 1895-96 (Medal and clasp). He served in West Africa in 1900; took part in the operations in Ashanti, and was present at the defence of Kumassi. He was severely wounded, mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 November 1900], received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 January 1901]: "John Ernest Charles Cochrane, Captain, Donegal Artillery. In recognition of services in Ashanti". The Insignia were presented by the King at Marlborough House 16 April 1901. He retired on 7 November 1900, and joined the Reserve of Officers. In 1902 he served as Adjutant, Imperial Yeomanry, in South Africa. He was with the Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, in 1903. Major Cochrane married Eileen Mary, daughter of Sir George Fottrell, KCB, Ballybrack, County Dublin, Ireland, and they had one son. He served in the European War, and as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel on the Staff, he commanded a Brigade of Artillery from 1915 at the Dardanelles; was in France, commanding the same Brigade, from 15 February 1916. He was a JP, Hants. His favourite recreations were hunting and shooting.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Donegal Artillery |