LEONARD ALBERT COX
Leonard Albert Cox
Born Bradfield, Berkshire 1890
Son of John & Mary Cox of Heron Farm, Pangbourne, Berks
A pre-war printer living at Bois Mill Cottages, Latimer Road, Chesham Bois
Enlisted in the Berkshire Yeomanry
Commissioned 2nd Lieut in 6th King's Shropshire Light Infantry
KIA F&F 10/6/18 aged 28
The Uxbridge & West Drayton Gazette reported 'Lieutenant Leonard Albert Cox, who had resided for a considerable time at Chesham Bois, and was engaged by Messrs. Page and Thomas, was killed in action in France on June 10th. A high explosive shell fell near him when he was with his men in the trenches, and it killed him and his orderly instantly. He was one of the workers in the Amersham-on-the-Hill Free Church Sunday School.'
And the Buckinghamshire Examiner carried a testimony from Captain Faithon: 'He was doing his duty nobly, looking after the safety of his men during a heavy bombardment, when he was instantly killed by a shell. He was my best officer, and one whom I could least of all afford to lose, and his loss to me is a great one. All my brother officers join me in offering their very deepest sympathy in the great blow that his death means to so many.'
Buried in Sucrerie Cemetery, Ablain-St. Nazaire, France
Also commemorated in the UK on Chesham Bois Parish War Memorial
With copies of his Medal Index Card, Officers Died in the Great War & CWGC details plus supporting details
Note: His Officers Papers exist at TNA, ref: WO 339/127530 but we have not checked them
Condition: Plaque holed at 12 o'clock. Lightly polished, now with a fine bronze-green patina VF
