Thomas Cox was born in September 1900, the oldest of four children to William and Ellen Cox from Bridgwater, Somerset. On Thomas’ baptism records, William listed himself as a manufacturer, but there is nothing to confirm what he made.

Sadly, William died in 1905, leaving Ellen to raise four children under five years old – including a babe-in-arms. Determined to look after her young family, however, by the time of the 1911 census, she gave her occupation as a grocer.

War was on the horizon and, while his full records are not evident, it is clear that Thomas must have looked to enlist as soon as his age would allow. He was assigned to the 53rd (Young Soldier) Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, a training unit based not far from Warminster.

Sadly, Private Cox’s service was not to be a long one. While training, he contracted pneumonia, and passed away on 31st October 1918. He had just turned 18 years old.

Thomas Cox lies at rest in the Wembdon Road Cemetery in his home town of Bridgwater, Somerset.

---