Fireman Francis Bull Cokayne
1877 - July 12, 1929 - 52 years old
A hero who gave his life willingly to try and save others.
Francis Bull Cokayne was born in Middlesex, the son of George and Jane Cokayne. His mother Jane Cokayne had run a pub on Canterbury Street which was right next door to the family home. The family had lived lived in Gillingham since Frances was nine. In 1900 Francis marred Caroline Deborah Gilkes and together they would have thirteen children. (note some of the articles state ten children but he had thirteen) The family had been residing at 44 Canterbury Street for the twenty seven years prior to the tragedy. Frances was extreamly well liked by the residents of Gillingham. He was employed as a journeyman painter and a decorator. His youngest daughter at 89 still resides in Gillingham.
Francis was admitted to hospital at 10:35 pm the night of the fire suffering from burns to his face, neck, forearms and chest. He died at 7pm on the following day from shock. Fireman Cokayne was known for his bravery and courage. He was not trapped in the structure when it started to burn. Without a single thought to himself rushed inside to try and save the others. Francis was seen jumping from the burning structure with a young boy under each arm. His body was identified by his son Francis Henry Cokayne.
Francis's coffin was carried to the cemetery on a fire engine. The procession would have started just around the corner from his home on Canterbury Street, passing right by his home on the way to the cemetery. Fireman Cokayne was 52 years old at the time of his death.
Francis was admitted to hospital at 10:35 pm the night of the fire suffering from burns to his face, neck, forearms and chest. He died at 7pm on the following day from shock. Fireman Cokayne was known for his bravery and courage. He was not trapped in the structure when it started to burn. Without a single thought to himself rushed inside to try and save the others. Francis was seen jumping from the burning structure with a young boy under each arm. His body was identified by his son Francis Henry Cokayne.
Francis's coffin was carried to the cemetery on a fire engine. The procession would have started just around the corner from his home on Canterbury Street, passing right by his home on the way to the cemetery. Fireman Cokayne was 52 years old at the time of his death.
1924 Gillingham Fire Brigade
The Gillingham Fire Brigade 1924 with a trophy won at Gravesend in 1923. Fireman Francis Bull Cokayne is third from the right in the back row. This was a Christmas post card he sent to his brother Leonard Harwood Cokayne who was living in Cape Town. On the back of the card is his handwritten note to his brother, a poignant portrayal of his pride at being a fireman.
The parents of Francis Bull Cokayne, George and Jane (nee Bull)
Left - c1955 Four generations of Cockayne middle from left is Francis's widow Caroline and their daughter Jennie, at the back is their grandaughter Joan an in front is their great grandaughter Gillian. The right is a photo of Francis.
Gillingham Fire Brigade c1923
photo provided by the Kent Fire & Rescue Service Museum
Fireman Cokayne is in the first row on the far left hand side. All three firemen who perished in this tragedy are in this photo, Fireman Tabrett, Fireman Cokayne and Fireman Nicholls.
Also of interst in this photo is:
Frederick White
He was Gillingham's Chief Fire Officer in 1929 and present at the tragedy. He attempted to enter the burning building and also attempted to climb an escape ladder which crumbled beneath him. He was in charge of the demonstration that evening. He was present at the funeral and testified at the inquest.
Edwin Parker Bins
was the First Lieutenant in 1929. He had supervised the building of the "house". He was also a carpenter with the Gillingham Corporation. He was present at the tragedy and attempted to rescue the occupants. He was also present at the funeral and testified at the inquest.
Captain Joseph Plewis
He was present at the funeral and retired before 1924
A. Daniel
It was A. Daniel's son , Cyril Daniel who identified the firemen in this photo. Cyril Daniel was a motor man employed by Gillingham Corporation and was also a Fireman. He was present at the tragedy and his hands were badly burnt that night. There was also a "Station Engineer Daniel present. Its not clear to me if this was A Daniel or not but likely was. Cyril testified at the inquest.
Frederick White
He was Gillingham's Chief Fire Officer in 1929 and present at the tragedy. He attempted to enter the burning building and also attempted to climb an escape ladder which crumbled beneath him. He was in charge of the demonstration that evening. He was present at the funeral and testified at the inquest.
Edwin Parker Bins
was the First Lieutenant in 1929. He had supervised the building of the "house". He was also a carpenter with the Gillingham Corporation. He was present at the tragedy and attempted to rescue the occupants. He was also present at the funeral and testified at the inquest.
Captain Joseph Plewis
He was present at the funeral and retired before 1924
A. Daniel
It was A. Daniel's son , Cyril Daniel who identified the firemen in this photo. Cyril Daniel was a motor man employed by Gillingham Corporation and was also a Fireman. He was present at the tragedy and his hands were badly burnt that night. There was also a "Station Engineer Daniel present. Its not clear to me if this was A Daniel or not but likely was. Cyril testified at the inquest.
Excerpts from the Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Observer
July 19, 1929
Biography published in the Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Observer July 19th 1929
Fireman's Cokayne's grave
Left taken January 2010 (note: his parents rest directly behind him)
Right taken February 2011 after refurbishment
photos taken by Geoff Gillon & John Sullivan
Flowers placed on Francis's grave & family members gathered during the July 10th 2011 Commemoration Service. Wooden cross made by Phil Oschefski of Canada, placed by his daughter Lori Oschefski
Tribute to Francis Bull Cokayne written and read by
Keith Waldegrave, Grandson of Francis Bull Cokayne
personal photos provided by the Cokayne family