Charles Vincent Fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Vincent Fox
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|---|---|
| Born | 1877 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 8 November 1928 Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1899–1918 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Scots Guards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order |
Charles Vincent Fox was a brave British Army officer and a talented rower. He was born in Ireland in 1877. He became famous for winning important rowing races, like the Diamond Challenge Sculls in 1901. During World War I, he showed great courage as a soldier, even escaping from a German prison camp.
Early Life and Rowing Star
Charles Vincent Fox was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1877. His parents were Henry and Mary Fox. When he was young, his family moved to Swanscombe in England.
Charles went to school at Prior Park College and then studied at Pembroke College, Oxford. He was a very skilled rower. He joined the Scots Guards, a famous part of the British Army. He also rowed for the Guards Brigade Rowing Club.
In 1900, he won the Wingfield Sculls, a major rowing competition. The next year, in 1901, he won the Diamond Challenge Sculls at the famous Henley Royal Regatta. He even went to the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, but he didn't compete there.
A Brave Soldier in World War I
Charles Vincent Fox became an officer in the British Army. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1902. He served in Africa with the Southern Nigeria Regiment.
When World War I began, he was part of the British Expeditionary Force. This was the first group of British soldiers sent to fight. He took part in the First Battle of Ypres, a very important and tough battle.
During this battle, on October 25, he showed amazing bravery. He defended a broken part of the army's line. He even managed to capture five German officers and 200 German soldiers! Because of his courage, he received a special award called the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
Captured and Escaped!
After his heroic actions, Charles was captured by the Germans. He became a prisoner of war. But he didn't give up! He tried to escape three times. Once, he even jumped from a moving train.
His last escape was successful. It happened in June 1917 from a camp called Schwarmstedt. He traveled with another officer to reach safety. During his escape, he met Captain John Alan Lyde Caunter, who later wrote about Fox's experiences in detail.
Fox also reported on the difficult conditions and mistreatment of prisoners he witnessed in German camps. He wrote about these experiences on July 10, 1917.
Later Life
Charles Vincent Fox passed away in Milltown, Dublin, on November 8, 1928. He is remembered as a talented athlete and a very brave soldier.
