HAROLD WILCOXON 1895-1968

Harold was born at Coedpoeth on November 17th 1895. He was the third son of Joseph and Annie.
After attending Penygelli School in the village, he went to the County School for Boys in Wrexham, later called
Grove Park Boys School.
He was admitted on September 15th as No.815, at the time he was living at 27 High Street, Coedpoeth.
On leaving school he went to the University College of Bangor where he attended the Army Officer Training
Corps and while still at the rank of Cadet, applied on June 21 st 1915 for an appointment to a temporary
commission in the army.
His home address at this time was Talwrn House Llewelyn Road, Coedpoeth, where he lived with his parents
and brothers Thomas and Joseph Oswald,

During his time at Bangor, Harold had learned to ride and requested that he should serve in the Infantry
preferably with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

The University approved his application and he was accepted as a candidate for a Commission in the
15th Welsh Regiment. He was so highly regarded that the Principal added an extra recommendation to the
certificate.

In 1916 he developed severe tonsillitis, which saw him return home on sick leave in October.
More problems due to dental treatment, fatigue and anaemia extended his leave until he was declared fit
to resume duties in December

On his return Harold had to see a Medical Board and they decided that he was unfit to resume duties for some
time. Apart from his throat he also had bad teeth that needed to be removed and had not been well for some
time. A further examination later found that he was suffering from fatigue and anaemia. After treatment at
Mount Garret Hospital, Harold rejoined his regiment on December 4 th 1916.

In the Cambria Leader issued 16 February 1916 it was wrongly announced that Harold had been killed.

Between July 1917 and March 1919 the London Gazette included these announcements. Harold had an
outstanding military career, he was awarded the M C twice, and eventually attained the rank of Captain.

This report was published in the

Llangollen Advertiser 5 April 1918

On 14th September 1918, Harold was appointed

Captain. He was released from duty on January
18th 1919.
By this time his parents had moved to live at 21
Alexandra Road, Wrexham and he returned
home to live with them there.
During his time in the army Harolds brother
Joseph was killed in action.
While he was waiting to be transported to
France, Harold had spotted him amongst the
soldiers, but because of his rank was not able to
speak to him.
That was the last time that the brothers saw
each other.

In the late spring of 1921 Harold married Gertrude Evans in Cardiff. He joined the National Assistance Board
and eventually became assistant controller until his retirement. He was awarded the M.B.E. for services to the
Government.
Gertrude died in 1946, at the age of 47. They had no children.
Harold lived at Bryn Hyfryd, New Street, Southsea, Nr Wrexham until he was 72, he died at the Wrexham
General Hospital on July 6th 1968 and was buried at Southsea Church yard with Gertrude.
He left two sisters and one brother.
Harolds medals were presented to the Welsh Regiment Museum which is at Cardiff.