Harold Oliver, Charles' brother-in-law, served with the 2/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (268349 Private) and was killed in action on 21 March 1918. Arras Memorial. (See record on this Roll of Honour)
CWGC Additional information: 'Son of Mrs. W. M. Cox, of Lowdham, Nottingham; husband of Florence Cox, of Bleasby, Nottingham.'
Family headstone, Lowdham St Mary churchyard: 'In loving memory of Frederick Mark Cox, who died July 3rd 1928 aged 33 years. Also of Sergt. Charles E Cox killed in action Octr. 14th 1915 aged 23 years. Thy will be done. Also of Bertha Adelaide Cox, mother of the above, died April 29th 1941 aged 66 years. Also William Mark Cox, beloved husband of above, died Nov. 16th 1965, aged 93 years.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour,’ 27 October 1915: ‘Cox. Killed in action, on October 14th, Serg. CE Cox, 1/8th Sherwood Foresters, aged 23 years, the devoted husband of Florence Cox, Bleasby. He sleeps not in his native land, but under foreign skies, and far from those who love him best, and in a hero’s grave he lies. We do not know what pain he had, we did not see him die, we only know he passed away without a last ‘goodbye.’ From his broken hearted wife and dearly loved baby. Memorial service at Lowdham Church, October 31st, 10.45.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Newark Advertiser, 27 October 1915 (photograph): ‘Sergeant Charles Cox. Notification has been received in Newark of the death in action of Sergt. Charles Cox of the 8th Sherwood Foresters. The deceased soldier, who was married and 23 years of age, was prior to the war an employee of the Midland Railway Company and was well known at Newark, Collingham, Rolleston, Swinderby, and other stations on the MR between Nottingham and Lincoln. He was married 12 months ago last Saturday and leaves a widow and child to mourn their loss. The gallant soldier had served in the Territorials for four years prior to the war, and finished his period of service before their last August camp. When they returned to Newark on that notable August day a year and a half ago, when war broke out, he went and immediately rejoined his old comrateds, His father is a signalman at Lowdham, and his widow a native of Bleasby.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Newark Herald, 30 October 1915: 'Son of Mrs W.M. Cox, Lowdham. Resided with wife Florence (nee Oliver) and one child in Bleasby. Prior to the war was an employee of the Midland Railway and was well known at Newark, Collingham, Rolleston, Swinderby and other stations on the Nottingham-Lincoln line. A strong supporter of National Service and although he had completed his term of service, he immediately re-joined the colours. Given opportunity to join the ASC in his original trade of baker, but opted to rejoin his old company. A trench was blown in by a shell, eleven men being buried, eight of whom were rescued. The remaining three, including Sgt. Cox, who was badly wounded in the head and legs, being killed.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Newark Herald, 30 October 1915 (photograph): ‘Sergt. C Cox, Lowdham. Another death has unfortunately to be recorded from the Lowdham district of a member of the 8th Sherwoods, information having been received that Sergeant C Cox was killed in action on the 14th. The deceased was a strong supporter of National Service, and although on the outbreak of war he had completed his term of service, he immediately rejoined the Colours. Opportunity was given him to join the Army Service Corps in his original trade as a baker, but he preferred to rejoin his old company under the command of his esteemed officer, Major Becher. [DOW 1 January 1916] According to letters received from his late comrades, a trench was blown in by a shell, eleven men being buried, eight of whom were rescued, the remaining three, including the deceased soldier, who was badly wounded in the head and legs, being killed.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow Florence Cox was his sole legatee.
Florence Cox was awarded a pension of 18 shillings a week for herself and her child, first payment 29 May 1916. (War Office letter dated 21 May 1916)