James Trevor Cotterell.

link=File:James_Trevor_Cotterell.png|frameless|351x351px “Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand

And the sound of a voice that is still”

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12^th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.#

*The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30^th July 1940:*

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

*Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27^th, 1944:*

James died on 26^th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

*Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:*

*Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26^th April 1946:*

*St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2^nd May 1945*

*The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30^th, 1945*

*Western Morning News, Saturday 28^th April 1945:*

*Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30^th, 1945*

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.

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