Adolph Broadfield Cohen died on 22nd July 1917, aged 24 years, of wounds received in the Great War.
He was born in Leeds in 1893 and attended Bootham School from 1906-11. His hobbies at school included archaeology and drama. He was a prominent member of many school societies and was on the committee of several, including the school Natural History Club.
The school magazine, “Bootham”, in November 1911 reported that:
“A. B. COHEN passed Matric. in 1910, and leaves from the College Class. He was a reeve and a member of the 1st boys’ cricket XI. A good fives player, he has more than once represented the school against St. Peter’s, and won the Fives Championship. He was also a prominent member of all the school societies, and distinguished himself in the last “charades.””
After Bootham School, Adolph went on to Leeds University, graduating in 1914. A month after war broke out he joined the University Officers’ Training Corp and became a Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales’ Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) in December 1914.
“Bootham” magazine of March 1915, under Bootham School War Lists, shows:
“ Under Military Discipline:—
COHEN, A., 17th Bn. West Yorks Regiment. 2nd Lieutenant.”
The March 1916 issue reported that Lieut. Cohen was with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
Then in December 1917 “Bootham” reported:
“COHEN.—In July, 1917, died of wounds, Adolph Broadfield Cohen (1906-11), of 1, North Grange Mount, Headingley, Leeds, aged 24 years.”
This was followed in May 1918 by :
“In Memoriam
ADOLPH B. COHEN. Loyal and public-spirited while he was at School, A. B. Cohen had a great influence over his contemporaries during College life, and was an active worker throughout his University career in many departments outside the purely academic sphere. He was a very successful editor of the University magazine (the Gryphon); a keen member of the Social Study Society, which largely owed its origin to him; active in helping and taking part in the amateur theatricals and concerts, which were so prominent a part of the social life at the University; quite a good gamesman, fives, perhaps, as at School, being his strong point; and deeply interested in the work of the University Lads’ Club. To me the memory of A. B. C. which returns most frequently is as a lover of the open air. He never seemed happier than when at his beloved Coniston, tramping the fells, fishing the streams, or sailing his favourite boat, the Pip, on the waters of the lake; and he loved to share these pleasures with his friends. On all sides his influence was strong for comradeship and fellowship, and the memory of his friendship is treasured by all who knew him, and alike to them and to casual acquaintances will be a lasting inspiration. J. S. L”
The notice of his death in the Gryphon may be read online at http://digital.library.leeds.ac.uk/5305/1/LUA-PUB-002-GRY-121_000.pdf , page 11.
Lieut. Adolph Broadfield Cohen is buried in St Sever Cemetary, Rouen, France.