FLIGHT LIEUT. E. C. COX

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 306, 21 September 1943, Page 4

FLIGHT LIEUT. E. C. COX

Flight Lieutenant Eric Clarence Cox, D.F.C.. reported missing and death now presumed, was the eldest sou of Mr. and 'Mrs. C. iD. Cox, Napier He was educated at the Napier Boys’ High School, and was prominent in football and all sports—swimming, athletics, and golf. He gained his commission in New Zealand and was officer commanding a draft of 14S pilots and trainees, 100 of whom stayed in Canada and the others went to England. His first flight over Germany was with Squadron Leader Edwards, who won the V.C., and his next trip was as captain of a Wellington bomber. After completion ol 30 trips in November, 1941, he was awarded, together with his Canadian navigator, the D.F.C., and the other members of his crew were also decorated. The citation stated he was decorated for outstanding ability and leadership, and he at all times pressed home attacks with the utmost vigour, returning again and again till ho finally succeeded. Flight Lieutenant Cox was recalled from the Middle East and chosen to pilot a Liberator and went to Moscow with Mr. Churchill’s party. He also look a military mission to Siberia. He eventually wont out East again and was reported missing in October. 1942. During his slay in England he played football for the R.N.Z.A.F. team. He has a brother, Pilot Officer Trevor Cox, serving with the Ferry Command Headquarters. Canada, and also has a sister in the Army Transport at Wellington.