Pte Thomas Edwin Cox 12844

[Gadsby]

I am trying to find out more about my Grandfather's time in the army.I have two medals which are from my Grandfather, from researching the site I identified the one medal as The Mons Star. Inscription on back; 12844, Pte T E Cox, 2/WORC:R. There is a small bar on ribbon with inscription 5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914
Also, I have The Silver War badge and when I look up the letter C (ox) there is a listing for my Grandfather with no: 12844 however, on the back of the actual badge the number reads; 89038. I’m confused. Could this be his or someone else in the family. Only other surnames at that time as relations were Jackson and Neal.
I understand he was shot in the shoulder and was taken out of active service. He migrated to Canada in 1927 and returned I believe during WW2.
Any help or guidance would be appreciated. When he returned from Canada he lived in Aldershot and 'lived and breathed' the army. He worked on base there well into his 70's doing an Admin work if I recall.

[scully]

Private Thomas Edwin Cox originally joined the 5th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (Army Reserve) on the 26th August 1911 and at that time his army number was 8776. On the 25th December 1911 he was discharged due to the fact that he enlisted in the Regular Army of the Worcestershire Regiment.

When he enlisted in the Regular Army on the 5th January 1912 and his number changed to 12844. He was then posted to the Worcestershire Regiment who were at Parkhurst Garrison on the Isle of White. He was still only 17 of age and attained the age of 18 on the 10th March 1912.

At the start of the 1st World War he was posted to the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and landed with Battalion in France on the 14th August 1914.

He was wounded at the Battle Gheluvelt on the 31st October 1914 (Bullet wound through left arm). After treatment in France he was then returned to the U.K. for treatment on the 25th November 1914 and was posted to the 5th (Reserve) Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. He was discharged on the 1st May 1915 due to his wounds.

His father was Thomas Cox of 60 Parliment Street, Small Heath, Birmingham.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

[scully]

Keith,

Sent you some documents by email.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

[gilbo139]

I believe the number 89038 is the number of the silver badge and has no relevance to the regimental number, I realise Louis may have explained this in the documents forwarded privately..sorry if thats the case....Colin

[Gadsby]

Thanks and much appreciated. Just thought that when viewing Thomas Cox had this medal but with different number made me wonder if it was someone else's.

[Gadsby]

I have just been reading the article and replies to Mike Jones project "Worcester Cathedral Embarkation Rolls-August 1914". With the information that you have kindly provided about my Grandfather would Mike have this already or shall I post under the topic?

[higgitt]

Good morning, Gadsby,

I trust you won't mind me contacting you regarding your grandfather.
I'm doing some initial research into the 2nd Worcestershire at Gheluvelt, with a view to persuading the BBC to mark the centenary by bringing the battalion's remarkable achievement back into the public eye.
My hope is to include in the documentary plan some content from a family member of a Gheluvelt veteran or casualty, ideally with some family archive material to try and bring the soldier's voice into the piece.
If the idea appeals to you, can we have a chat via email in the near future to see whether the story of Pte Cox fits the bill, please?
Thanks for your time. Regards,

Mark Higgitt
Alcester