Death of Rushden Soldier - Private J Cox - Succumbs to Wounds Received Accidentally

We extend our sympathies to Mr and Mrs Cox, Ealing-terrace, Rushden, who have lost their son, Pte J Cox, of the 2nd Beds Regt. The War Office announced the death on Tuesday. Pte Cox had not sent a great deal of information regarding the war. In a letter written just after Christmas, he says:-

"I spent Christmas Day in the trenches and it was a very silent day. We held an armistice with the Germans. Some of our regiment and some of the Germans met between the trenches and shook hands with each other and wished each other the compliments of the season. The Germans told us they wished the war was over. I would rather be at home to help you eat the turkey, but my country needs me to fight for her liberty. I am sending you my Christmas Box received from Princess Mary, and if I do not come home, keep them in remembrance of me".

In the last message sent home Pte Cox said he was all right. The War Office states that he died from wounds accidentally received.

Rushden Private in the Bedfords Killed

Mr. Cox, of Ealing-terrace, Rushden, on Tuesday received the sad news of the death of his son, Private J. Cox, of the 2nd Beds. They had not heard from him for eight weeks. A friend showed them Pte. Cox’s name in the casualty list, and they wrote to the War Office for information. On Tuesday a form was received stating that he died on February 9th from wounds received accidentally. Private Cox was 29 years of age, and had been in the Army six years. He went to the front on August 8th, and the fatal injury was his first wound. At Christmas he shook hands with some of the Germans.