Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private C. Wilcox, Devonshire Regiment, killed in action, France, 11 October 1918

British War and Victory Medals (32218 Pte., Devon. R.); Memorial Plaque (Cecil Wilcox) very fine and better (3) £120-160

Cecil Wilcox was born in and enlisted at Leamington, Warwickshire. Serving as a Private in the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment, he was killed in action in France on 11 October 1918. He was buried in St. Catherine British Cemetery, Arras, Pas de Calais, France.

With the slip to accompany the medals and a handwritten letter from Captain Percival Brotherton, commanding “D” Company, 2nd Devonshire Regiment to the father of Cecil Wilcox, dated 16 October 1918:

‘Dear Sir, I write to convey my sincere sympathy with you in the loss you have sustained by the death of your son No. 32218 Private C. Wilcox, of which you have no doubt had official news already. He was going “over the top” with his Company when a shell dropped in the middle of the Lewis Gun Section, to which he belonged, and killed him and two others instantly. His remains have been buried by our Chaplain. He was a good soldier and his loss is mourned by the whole Company but to you his father the blow must be heavy indeed. At least he died a brave soldier’s death and did his bit towards the victory that is now in sight. May God comfort you in your grief.’