2:38pm Friday 16th October 2009
By Amie Mulderrig
The son of a war hero awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery has spoken of his “humble father” and expressed his delight at the formal twinning of Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand.
Father-of-eight, Christopher Cox, acted as a stretcher bearer with the seventh Battalion of the Bedford Regiment during World War One. He took part in an attack on German defences south of the French village, rescuing a number of soldiers against a backdrop of bullets.
The courageous soldier will be honoured at the beginning of November when parish councillors and his son Ian Cox travel to Achiet-le-Grand to sign a “friendship charter” between the two villages.
Swelling with pride, Mr Cox, 80, of Abbots View, said: “My father was a wonderful man who did so much for his battalion, the Shiny Seventh Bedfordshire Regiment.
“You couldn’t ask for a better father, he was so humble and would always say that he would much rather be down in the trenches helping his fellow soldiers than giving speeches about his part in the war.
“He would be so proud to know that Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand are joining together for this formal twinning.
“I’m so very pleased that he is being honoured in this way.”
Following a trip to the French village in 2007 to mark the 90th anniversary of Mr Cox’s actions, a memorial was held at All Saint’s Church Kings Langley, rounded off with a march along Hempstead road and the High street by the Bedford Pipe band.
Kings Langley parish councillor, Gerry Angiolini, said: “The turnout from the village of Achiet-le-Grand for the anniversary trip was unbelievable - people were travelling from far and wide to take part in proceedings, remembering what a compassionate man Christopher Cox was. There were tears in all of our eyes.
“Signing the charter on November 8 will be a truly wonderful event and apart from acting as a way to commemorate Christopher Cox, it will also provide the village of Kings Langley with lots of opportunities.
“We’re hoping that our village children will be able to take part in cultural exchanges with children from Achiet-le-Grand, swapping traditions and customs.
“This formal twinning will really put Kings Langley on the map.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/trade_directory/