Harold Cox
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harold was the son of Reuben Osborne and Elizabeth Cox nee Brown. Reuben was born in Radford in 1871 (A/M/J Radford) and Elizabeth in Basford. They were married in 1894 (J/A/S Basford) and had three children, Harry who died in infancy, Harold and Elsie Elizabeth Emma b. 11 April 1903 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1901 Reuben (29), a furniture remover, and Elizabeth (29) were living at 60 Independent Street, Radford, with their surviving son, Harold (5). By 1911 the family had moved to 78 Independent Street. Reuben (39) was a furniture remover's warehouseman and Harold (15) a warehouse assistant while Elsie (7) was still at school. The CWGC record gives Harold's parents address as 64 Independent Street, Radford, and this was still the family home when Reuben died on 28 July 1928 at the age of 57. His wife had died six years earlier on 2 February 1921 aged 48. Harold's sister, Elsie, married George Fletcher (b. 25 June 1906) in 1934 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1939 at the time of the England & Wales Register, George, a warehouse manager for a wholesale clothier, and Elsie were living at 10 Lawley Avenue, Derby Road, Nottingham. George died on 24 May 1969 and Elsie on 16 April 1976 aged 73.
He is buried in Bleuet Farm Cemetery
Personal inscription, CWGC headstone: 'A noble life laid down' Inscription family headstone, Nottingham General Cemetery: 'In ever loving memory of Elizabeth the dearly beloved wife of Reuben Osborne Cox, who died February 2nd 1921 aged 48 years. Peace perfect peace. Also of Harold son of the above who was killed in action in France, August 27th 1917 and is buried at Blanet (sic) Farm near Ypres. Duty nobly done. Also of Harry second son of the above who died in infancy. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Also of the above named Reuben Osborne Cox who died July 28th 1928 aged 57 years. Reunited.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His father, Reuben Osborne, was his legatee. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 20/21 September 1917: ‘Cox. Killed in action, August 27th, Gunner Harold Cox, RHA, the dearly-beloved and only son of E and R Cox, 64, Independent-street, aged 21. A bitter blow, a shock severe, to part with one we loved so dear. Duty nobly done. From his broken-hearted mother, father, and only sister.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 21 September 1917: ‘Cox. Killed by a shell, August 27th, Gunner Harold Cox, RHA, aged 21. Loved by all. Thy will be done. Sorrowing aunties (19, Beech-avenue), Len (in France).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27/28 August 1918: ‘Cox. In loving memory of our dear son, Gnr. Harold Cox, RHA, killed in action August 27th 1917. One year has passed, our hearts still sore, as day by day we miss him more. Loving father, mother, and sister Elsie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27/28 August 1918: ‘Cox. In loving memory of our dear nephew, Gnr. Harold Cox RHA, killed in action August 27th 1917. Ever in our thoughts. Loving Aunties and Len (in France).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27/28 August 1919: ‘Cox. In loving memory of our dear son, Gunner Harold Cox, RHA, killed in action August 27th 1917. A loving son, a brother kind, loving memories left behind. Loving father, mother and sister Elsie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27/28 August 1919: ‘Cox. In loving memory of our dear nephew, Gunner Harold Cox, RHA, killed in action in France, August 27th, 1917. Sweet memories left behind. Loving aunties and Leonard.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 27 August 1920: notices placed by parents and sister and ‘aunties and Leonard’. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’ 27 August 1921: notices placed by father and sister and ‘aunties and Leonard’. Probate: Cox Reuben Osborne of 64 Independent-street Nottingham died 28 July 1928 Probate Nottingham 24 August to Leonard Cree manufactuere’s agent. Efects £591 6s. 9d.
