Private Arthur Hancox, 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment was born in Castle Bromwich in 1893, and was the eleventh of the twelve children (six sons, six daughters) of parents, William (a shepherd) and Ann (née Ray). The family lived in a cottage on Hodge Hill Common, Castle Bromwich for at least 30 years between 1881-1911. The couple married at SS Peter & Paul, Aston in 1871, when they both lived at Castle Bromwich.
By 1911, 17-year-old Arthur was listed as a farm labourer, and was living in the family home with his parents and one of his brothers, James, a 26-year-old farm labourer. Four of the couple’s children had died by 1911, including Charles (died December 1871, aged one month) and John (died November 1889, aged three months). James (1884-1930) is also known to have served in the Army, being wounded in September 1918 whilst serving as a gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery.
Private Arthur Hancox died in Salonika and is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery. He is commemorated on Castle Bromwich war memorial.
If you have further information, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel.: 0121 704 6977
Solihull Life 
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