Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Robert Cox, a bricklayer’s labourer, born 1859 in Burton Overy, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Cox (nee Mattock, married in the 4th quarter of 1878 in the Billesdon, Leicestershire district), born 1861 in Burton Overy. John Charles, a schoolboy, was born in the 1st quarter of 1884 in Burton Overy, his siblings were, Robert William, a schoolboy, born 1879, Fred Cecil, a schoolboy, born 1881, Emma Isabel, a schoolgirl, born 1886, George, born in the 3rd quarter of 1888 and Albert, born 1890, all his siblings were born in Burton Overy, in April 1891 the family home was in Burton Overy. In March 1901 John was employed as a baker’s boy and was residing in the family home at Main Street, Burton Overy, together with his father, a bricklayer’s labourer, his mother and siblings, Robert, an under gardener, Fred, a farm cowman, Emma, George, Albert, Walter, born in the 2nd quarter of 1893, Fanny, born 1896 and Harry, born 1898, the latter three siblings were all born in Burton Overy. In April 1911 John was employed as a domestic groom and was residing in the family home in Burton Overy, together with his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, George, a farm cowman, Walter, a domestic groom, Fanny, Harry, a schoolboy and Frank, a schoolboy, born 28th March 1903 in Burton Overy. John married Mary Florendine, on the 22nd July 1911 in the Billesdon, Leicestershire District, Mary was born in 1885. John’s widow married Walter Beet in the 3rd quarter of 1919 in the Billesdon, Leicestershire district. John’s younger brother, George died of wounds received in action in 1916, and his younger brother Walter fell in action in 1917.
John was officially discharged on medical grounds from the Army on the 15th September 1918, aged 34 years and 4 months. The cause given was sickness under Para: 392 (xvi) of King’s Regulations; (No longer physically fit for service.) and he was awarded the Silver War Badge No. B.2652. John had died on the 7th September 1918, eight days before the official medical discharge had been recorded.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday September 27th, 1918

LOCAL CASUALTIES

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service was held in the Ibstock Parish Church, on Sunday afternoon last, conducted by the Rector (the Rev. A. H. Birks) in connection with the death of Private Cox, who died in a London hospital from sickness contracted whilst on active service abroad. Prior to joining H.M. Forces, he was engaged as a coachman to Dr. C. S. Agnew, of Ibstock. The deceased leaves a widow and three young children, for whom much sympathy is felt. At the close of the service, Mr W. Dunstan played the “Dead March” (Saul), and the “Last Post” was sounded by bugles under Bandmaster James Cooper.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 2/6/2018