Willie Cobb, born 1892
On 31st January 1892 William was born in Gaywood. William, was predictably to become known as Willie, but sometimes signed his letters and postcards as Willie or Billie as well as William!
He continued the family tradition by becoming a saddle and harness maker, but also had a distinguished military career.
1913.
William married Isabella Ashton, known as Bella, on January 9th at St Margaret's church in Kings Lynn. At the time of his marriage his address was 81 Nicholas Street. His sister Violet was a bridesmaid. Isabella was a Kings Lynn girl whose father Albert Edward, known as Edward, was a dock foreman living in Lansdowne Road, Kings Lynn. Edward and his wife Rose were both from Kings Lynn too.
Willie and Bella emigrated to Australia just before the First World War. He lived in Woodford, Queensland where he soon set up a saddlers business. William actually left first, sailing on Roscommon on 22nd January 1913. His occupation was listed as saddler. His wife followed him, sailing on Waipara on 9th April 1914, so the newlyweds endured an early year apart! In Australia Willie was always known as Bill.
1915.
Willie’s first child was born on 2nd April 1915. Henry William Albert, known as Albert was to follow very closely in his Father’s footsteps. By 1936 he was also a boot maker and saddler, living at King Street, Wide Bay, Caboolture, Queensland, not too far from his father. He also joined the army on 11th July 1940. His enlistment number was QX6313. Like his father he became a Captain in the 2/7 Australian cavalry. He died at 27 years old during World War Two on 21st December 1942, whilst fighting the Japanese at Sanananda, Papua
On 1st October 1915 Willie enlisted in the Australian army at Caboolture, Queensland. For further details of his WWI exploits please see the section “The Cobb Family in World War One”.
1920.
His service records show that glasses were ordered due to poor vision caused by military service. This was possibly a short term scenario as there are no photographs of him wearing glasses. He was discharged from WWI service on 13th April 1920.
1923.
Twins Alfred and Wilfred were born on 18th November at Woodford, Queensland.
Wilfred, known as Wilf, married Theresa. He enlisted in the Australian Navy and his service number was 24425.
Alfred, known as Alf, married Aeneas. He too enlisted in the Australian Navy and his service number was 24426.
Both twins served in WWII on HMAS Cerberus, but were soon separated as the Navy couldn't cope with their constant mischievous trouble making and were not able to establish which twin had been guilty of any given offence! .
Willie already had three daughters too. Iris had been born during the war. She went on to marry Cec Bartlett. Jean Cynthia was born in 1919 and Thelma Rose in 1920.
The 1925 electoral roll shows Willie and Bella at Wide Bay, Woodford, Queensland. Willie was a master saddler.
1926.
Willie was a master saddler living with his family at Main Street, Woodford, Queensland. He was still there in 1936/1937/1943.
His Orpington Black chickens won their category in the Caboolture show in 1926. Another daughter, Irene, was born in 1926.
1927.
When the Duke of York (later George VI) opened the Canberra parliament building, Willie was a Captain in the Light Horse in command of the guard of honour.
1928.
Willie had another son, Ted, who was born on 14th January at Woodford. He joined the Australian army.
Willie enjoyed a successful military career. He saw active service as a Staff Sergeant in France and Belgium and after the war continued his army career, which saw him promoted to Major in the Australian cavalry.
The 1936, 1937 and 1943 electoral rolls show Willie and Bella at Wide Bay, Woodford, Queensland. Willie was a master saddler.
The 1949 electoral roll shows Willie, a storekeeper, and Bella at King Street, Fisher, Caboolture. Son Ted was a saddler and daughter Thelma Rose was on home duties.
There was little change in 1954 with Thelma Rose at home. Wilfred and his wife Theresa Mary were at Charles Street with Margaret Joyce [Teds wife?].
1958 saw no change for Willie, Bella and Thelma Rose. Wilf, Theresa and Margaret Joyce were still at Charles Street, as was Wilf’s brother Ted who was a carrier.
1968 saw Willie, Bella and Thelma Rose still at King Street. Wilf, a leather worker was still at Charles Street with his wife Theresa. Ted and Margaret Joyce were at Manley Street, Caboolture.
In 1972 Willie, Bella and Thelma Rose were still at King Street. Ted, Margaret and their son Albert Ted were at 4 Manley Street. Alfred John [Alfs son?] and his wife Julie Ann were at 15 Hill Street, Brisbane. They were a driver and shop assistant. Wilf, a leather worker, his wife Theresa and daughter Roslyn Mary were at 24 Charles Street.