Leslie Cozens, known as “Tim” to his friends, was in Ashburnham House from 1908-1911. He was also educated at Malvern and Cherbourg. On leaving school he was employed at his father’s leather works at Hatherton Street in Walsall, and played cricket and golf. He was commissioned into the 5th South Staffords in 1912, eventually being promoted to the rank of Captain in the field in May 1915, taking over command of “A” Company.

Lieutenant-Colonel Raymer wrote to his father on receiving news of his death:

“On the afternoon of the 13th the battalion attacked the German trenches. Your son was in command of “A” Company, and was lying on the ground with his company, just at my side, when he was hit…I ask you to accept from myself and all his surviving comrades our deepest sympathy with you in your sad loss. He was a keen and fearless officer, and we are very sad at parting with him.”

Leslie Cozens is memorialised at Lichfield Cathedral, where his name was carved into a cover on the font cover by Albert Arthur Kitchen. The close ups below were kindly provided by Kitchen’s great-grandson, Marcus.