25th Battalion, New Zealand Infantry (New Zealand Army)
Died:
19/10/1944 (Killed in Action)
Age:
21
Summary
Andrew Cotton was the son of William and Rachel Cotton. He was born about 1923 in Magherafelt. The family emigrated to New Zealand. Private Andrew Cotton served with the New Zealand Infantry in World War Two. Private Andrew Cotton was serving with the 25th Battalion in Italy when he was killed in action in Italy on 19th October 1944. He was 21 years old.
Further Information
Andrew Cotton was the son of William and Rachel Cotton. William Cotton and Rachel Park were married on 27th July 1918 in the district of Magherafelt.
Andrew Cotton was born about 1923 in Magherafelt.
The family emigrated to New Zealand.
Private Andrew Cotton served with the New Zealand Infantry in World War Two.
Private Andrew Cotton was serving with the 25th Battalion in Italy when he was killed in action in Italy on 19th October 1944. He was 21 years old.
Private Andrew Cotton was originally buried in the Military Cemetery at San Mauro.
Private Andrew Cotton was re-interred in Cesena War Cemetery on 4th June 1945. Cesena is on the east coast of Italy, just north of San Marino. Most of those buried in this cemetery died during the advance from Rimini to Forli and beyond in September-November 1944, an advance across one flooded river after another in atrocious autumn weather.
Private Cotton is commemorated on the family headstone in Feilding Cemetery in the Manawatu District of New Zealand. The inscription reads:
‘In loving memory of William Cotton died 11th January 1962; and Rachel died 19th June 1956; and their loved son Pvte Andrew Cotton 445583 died on active service Italy, 19 October 1944.’
Private Cotton is also commemorated on Feilding War Memorial in New Zealand.
The CWGC record Private Cotton as the son of William and Rachel Cotton of Beattie Street, Fielding, New Zealand. He is listed as having been being born at Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
