Private Cecil Cox
Birth
Cecil Cox was born in Stainfield, Lincolnshire.
His birth was registered in Bourne in the March quarter of 1898 indicating a birth between January and March of that year.
Family History
Cecil was the son of Albert Edward Cox a cottager from Stainfield and his wife Fanny Wilson.
Albert Edward Cox was born in Dunsby c1864. He married Fanny Wilson in 1886. She was born in Morton c1865.
Albert died in 1891, age 27, leaving Fanny to look after their children, Albert, Emily, Burton, Sarah, Cecil and Mabel.
The 1901 census shows that Fanny, a widow, was a farmer in Stainfield and living on her own account.
In 1911 Cecil Cox is living in Morton aged 13.
The SDGW records show William’s place of residence as Grantham Lincolnshire.
Other comments on the CWGC records show that Cecil was the Son of Mrs Fanny Cox of School House, Morton, Bourne, Lincs.
Military History
Cecil’s war office records are yet to be uncovered and may be part of the burnt records that were destroyed by fire.
The medal rolls do not show Cecil as eligible for a 1915 Star so we must assume that he did not serve abroad before 1916.
Cecil Cox was killed in action on 10 April 1918. The trenches to the south of Armentieres were heavily defended by the 10th Battalion during the morning of the 10th April. By 3.15pm the forward trenches had been captured by the enemy and Brigade had called a general retirement.
Parts of the 10th Battalion covered the rear guard of this retirement and held the enemy off until 7pm. It is generally recognised that the actions that day allowed a retirement with relatively little loss.
Private Cecil Cox 28430, 10th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, was eligible for the following medals:-
Victory Medal
The British Medal
Memorial
Private Cecil Cox 28430, 10th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment, is remembered with honour at the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium. Ref: Panel 3.
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