HANCOX Harold Harry

Appears in the Worcester/Worcestershire Roll of Honour Book for army casualties located in Worcester Cathedral with the information: 40158 The Canadian Contingent.

Harold Hancox enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 8th March 1915 at London, Ontario, Canada. On his attestation paper he gave his date of birth as 28th December 1893 in Bewdley, England, his occupation as a Labourer and his next of kin as his mother, Mrs E.H. Hancox, Florentine Terrace, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Harold was 5 feet 9 inches tall with blue eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion. In August 1915 he was treated in the Canadian Military Hospital at Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe for an abscess on his upper right eyelid. After successful treatment he joined his unit on 18th September 1915. On 13th March 1916 the battalion sailed for France. Harold was killed in action on 13th June 1916 during an attack at Hill 60 (Zillebeke).

National Archives of Canada Reference: RG 150, Acc. 1992-93/166, Box 4006 – 14

The following report appears in the Kidderminster Shuttle 8th July 1916, p. 7:
Official news has been received of the death in action of Private Harold Hancox, of the 2nd Canadian contingent, which took place on June 13th. A son of Mr and Mrs Harry Hancox of Florentine Terrace, Wribbenhall, Harold left England for the colonies when quite a youth. Of fine physique, the life out West appeared to suit him, and though only 19 years of age he was of splendid proportions. He was employed with Mr. W. F. Mountford, ironmonger, in Load-street, previous to leaving Bewdley, but for some time had been at work in London, Ontario, Canada. At the outbreak of war he joined the 2nd Canadian contingent and came to England with his regiment, going to France in September of last year. He fought with the Canadians at Ypres, where the Colonials showed splendid gallantry, and his death will be much regretted. He was over on leave recently, visiting relatives and friends at Bewdley. Another brother, George Hancox, has joined his Majesty’s Forces under the group scheme.

Harold Hancox has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Ypres Menin Gate Memorial.