Christopher Augustus Cox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Augustus Cox
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| Born | 25 December 1889 Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 28 March 1959 Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England |
| Buried |
Kings Langley Cemetery, Hertfordshire, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914−1917 |
| Rank | Private |
| Service number | 13909 |
| Unit | Bedfordshire Regiment Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Christopher Augustus Cox was a brave soldier from the British Army. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He was born on December 25, 1889, and passed away on April 28, 1959.
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Christopher Cox's Early Life and Military Service
Christopher Cox was born in Kings Langley, a village in Hertfordshire, England. He worked as a farm labourer before joining the army. In 1912, he married Maud Swan. They had one son before World War I began.
Even with a young family, Cox chose to volunteer for the army in September 1914. He became a Private in the 7th Battalion of The Bedfordshire Regiment. In July 1915, he went to France. He spent almost two years fighting in the trenches.
Serving in World War I Battles
Cox fought in the World War I battles on the Somme near Albert. He was injured on the first day of the Somme offensive. He also took part in fighting at Thiepval in September 1916. His brave actions during the Bihucourt assault in March 1917 earned him the Victoria Cross.
Receiving the Victoria Cross
On March 13, 1917, a battle took place in Achiet-le-Grand, France. During an attack, heavy artillery and machine gun fire stopped the soldiers. Everyone had to find cover in shell holes.
Christopher Cox was a stretcher-bearer, meaning he helped wounded soldiers. He bravely went out into the dangerous area where bullets were flying. He rescued four men all by himself. After helping his own battalion's wounded, he also helped soldiers from another battalion. For two more days, he continued this dangerous work, not thinking about his own safety.
Later Life and Family
On May 3, 1917, Cox was seriously wounded in his foot during an attack on the village of Cherisy. This injury meant he had to return to England. He then helped train new soldiers.
King George V presented Christopher Cox with the Victoria Cross. This special ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace on July 21, 1917. After the war, Cox chose not to become an officer. He also turned down an offer for a house. Instead, he worked as a builder in Kings Langley. Later, he worked at the nearby Ovaltine factory. During World War II, he joined the local Home Guard.
Christopher Cox and his wife had eight children. They also had 14 grandchildren. He passed away on April 28, 1959, at 69 years old. His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the Imperial War Museum in London, England.
Remembering Christopher Cox
On September 9, 2007, the village of Kings Langley held a special event. They celebrated Christopher Augustus Cox's life and his brave actions. The High Street was closed for a parade. A pipe band, veterans, and local leaders marched. Members of the Cox family also joined the parade.
The parade went from the Kings Langley Methodist Church to the Parish Church. A memorial service was held there. The Last Post was played by a bugle inside the church and at his grave. After the service, everyone went to the community centre. There, items related to Christopher Cox's life were on display.
In November 2009, Kings Langley village became twinned with Achiet-le-Grand in France. This was done to honor Christopher Cox and his bravery.
