Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Military Service

Additional Information

Cosby Broom was born in England, one of two brothers and a sister. He emigrated to Canada to marry his sweetheart, Ada. He also took Canadian Citizenship. On Canada's entry into the War, Cosby volunteered immediately with the Canadian Forces.

Written to his widow Ada Broom, 6 October 1916.

Dear Mrs. Broom:

I have your letter of the 28th September, asking for particulars of the death of your husband Sgt. Broom of this regiment. Your husband was killed on the afternoon of the 16 Sept, at about 4 p.m., near Battalion Headquarters in the Sunken Road, about 600 yds West of Courcelette.

He was acting as Company Sergeant Major of 'A' Company, which was lying at the spot in Battalion Reserve. He died shortly after being hit and is buried near that place.

On the day of question, your husband had acted throughout with great gallantry. He was always on hand when required and busied himself in the safety of others and in the diligent performance of his duties.

Had he lived, I should have had great pleasure in recommending him for an honour and promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. In his death, this Battalion has lost a very fine soldier and on behalf of all ranks in this Regiment I desire to extend to you our sincere sympathy.

He was buried during this engagement in a common grave in which all the officers, N.C.O.'s and men of this Battalion were buried. Perhaps I may say to you, that as a soldier he is as content, sleeping as he does with his comrades about him on the field of battle on which he had behaved so well as he would be sleeping in England or elsewhere.

Yours faithfully,
Commander 49th Canadian Edmonton Regiment.

Digitized service file.

Commemorated on Page 59 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.