Major John 'Jack' Alonzo Cox
1st Cycle Battalion, Army Cyclist Corps
Killed in Action
Date of Birth: 8th of January 1887
Place of Birth: Teignmouth, Devon
Date of Death: 29th of September 1918
Buried: Aeroplane Cemetery, Belgium, VII.A.22
Awarded the 1914 Star, Victory, and British War Medal
Born on the 8th of January 1887 at 19, Lower Brook Street, Teignmouth, Devon. Son of Benjamin John Cox and Lydia Cox nee Drew. Baptised on the 2nd of March 1887 at Teignmouth, Wesleyan Methodist Church, Devon.
John attended Orchard Gardens Private School at Teignmouth, Devon.
John was also known as Jack Alonzo Cox. A certification of moral character was provided from the Rector of St Peters Kirkcaldy.
His address was 258a, High Street, Kirkcaldy. He was working as a Shipping Agent. Late of Theatre Buildings, Kirkcaldy Cadet J A Cox from Glasgow University contingent recommended for Lieutenant on the 20th of January 1912 when enlisted for territorials on the 31st of October 1911. Promoted to Captain on the 11th of February 1913.
A Major in Black Watch Regiment, awarded DSO, KIA at Ypres in command of 1st Cycle Batt. Army Cyclist Corps seconded to Highland Light Infantry.
Gazette issue 30813. Distinguished Service Order; For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when the enemy raided our outposts with mounted patrols and cyclists.
During the confusion, he, with another officer and a few men, put up desperate hand-to-hand combat with the raiders and so allowed time for the company to rally and show a united front. His quickness of perception and courage have been of the greatest assistance to his C.O. on many critical occasions.
Gas attack at Ypres. Men of the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders wearing cotton-waste pad-respirators, 1915. © The rightsholder (IWM Q 48951)
John made a will in May 1915. He suffered from dysentery from December 1916 until February 1917. John returned on Aberdonian. John attended Aldershot for a course between 17/05/18 and 24/06/18.
He returned to duty on the 14th of July 1918. John had completed 9 years of army service in 1918. After his death, his servant and groom paid off, and War Office sent the father £352 9s due. Moved from another grave to Aeroplane Cemetery, Leper, Belgium. VII A 22 in 1920.
Memorial Plaque
