147334 Private Frank William Cox British Army 3rd Sherwood Forresters Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regt from:Ashborne, Derbyshire (d.13th Aug 1917) Frank was born in Leek in Staffordshire in 1889.Shortly after his birth his Father William Cox,mother Ameilia Annie and sister Emily along with Frank emigrated to Queensland Australia.However, after a short space of time William returned alone to England as the heat of Australia proved to much for him,the rest of the family remained.At some time Frank also returned to England,and at the age of 26 he was employed as a windowcleaner in Ashbourne.By this time his father had had two children with my grandmother,but they did not marry until 26 years later when his wife died in Australia.Frank was called up in 1916,and was sent to the front 5 months later.He was wounded 3 times in battle and in November 1916 he was returned to England to the Northern General Hospital Manchester suffering from combat fatigue.After,2 months he was posted back to the front and was killed in action at Passendale.In 1918 his effects were returned to my grandfather,letters, photos,a 50 cent Australian note(mutilated)a frenchbook and a cottonbag.
His mother in Australia applied for his medals in 1919 but they were sent to my grandfather in 1921,The Victory medal and the British medal.He served 1 year and 249 days.
Frank is remembered on The Menin Gate.
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