William Frederick Cox
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1 Dec 1886 |
| Place of Birth | Mandurah, Western Australia |
| Death | 20 Aug 1982, aged 95 |
| Place of Death | Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 55 years, 3 months |
| Description |
5'8" (1.73m) tall ; 160lbs 72.575 kg ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; light brown hair |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Byford, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Myrtle Mary Cox |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W67607 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Mar 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals | British War Medal |
Pre War
Prior to leaving for England, Bill had married Myrtle May Goddard (1896 - 1964) in Perth. Myrtle died on 19 Nov 1964 aged 68. They had four children including Vida Joy Cox (1918-1995).
WW 1
William enlisted for WW1 on 11 Jan 1916 giving his age as 26. A sleeper cutter, he was allocated to the 3rd reinforcement for the 51st Battalion. On 18 Jul 1916 he had embarked on HMAT A48 Seang Bee, disembarking in Plymouth on 9 Sep 1916. on 23 Sep 1916 he was taken on strength by the 44th Battalion, but a month later he was sent to No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs for medical assessment. On 18 Jan 1917 he was hospitalised with mumps, returning to his unit on 1 Feb 1917. Soon after he was charged with breaking camp for which he was admonished, and forfeited 4 days pay.
On 4 May 1917 he was aboard HMAT A54 Runic returning to Australia on the grounds that he had deformed feet. Disembarked on 26 Jun 1917, he was discharged on 17 Jul 1917.
Pre WW 2
Electoral Roll entries: 1925 at No.1 Mill Jarrahdale, timber worker; 1936 - 1943 at Cardup, labourer.
WW 2 Service
Bill signed up for the Volunteer Defence Corps in Armadale on 22 Mar 1942 and was posted to the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion. On 1 May 1945 along with the rest of his unit he was placed on Reserve.
Post WW 2
Electoral Roll entries: 1954 - 1972 at 30 Fourth road, Armadale, brick worker; 1980 at 16 Dearness Way Armadale, retired.
Notes
Description given was for enlistment in WW 1.