Lives of the First World War

Private Claude H Cox 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry Private Cox was born in Manchester, England but emigrated to Canada before the First World War where he worked as a fruit farmer. When the First World War broke out, he was touring the United States on horseback, and on returning to Canada was initially denied entry to the country. He enlisted with 72 Battalion Seaforth Highlanders of Canada on 22 February 1915, subsequently transferring to 11 Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles. After travelling to England with 7 Battalion, Canadian Infantry in 1916, Pte Cox relinquished his rank of corporal and joined the Lewis Gun Section in order to see active service on the Western Front. He participated in the capture of Vimy Ridge but was subsequently wounded near Fabers on 13 April 1917. Gangrene set in and his legs were amputated above the knee. Private Cox died, aged 25, of post operative shock in the Canadian Hospital at Étaples on 20 April 1917.