CLS Chronicle 10/11/1916
Photo: CLS Heritage Group
27911 Private
W. Coxon
Durham Light Infantry
14th October 1916 Age 24
Son of Matthew Edward and Mary Jane Coxon, of 6, Clifford Terrace, Chester-le-Street.
He was born in Chester-le-Street, enlisted at Gateshead, and resided at Clifford Terrace Chester-le-Street.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 20/10/1916 reports:-
The late Private William Coxon
One more name must be added to the long list and roll of honour of Primitive Methodists who on the battlefield have given all for their country and a great cause. Private William Coxon died at the Royal Infirmary, Derby on Saturday as a result of wounds received in France aged 24 years.
A quiet retiring disposition, he heard the call and felt he must do something and offering himself was accepted for service abroad. Trained as a signaller his work was of the most hazardous kind. He said he had sometimes thought he would be afraid when he had to face the grim reality of war but his experience when the time came was that all fear left him for he felt that God was with him.
This brave soul held in high regard by all who knew him, in the church, at work amongst employers and employees and those who in various ways came in contact with him, has fought the good fight and entered into rest.
On Wednesday afternoon the internment took place when a service was conducted in the Durham Road Primitive Methodist Church by the Rev. J.S. Nightingale who paid a fine tribute to the memory of the departed.
A large concourse of friends assembled and their sympathy for the bereft ones was very manifest. Later in the cemetery the last rites were performed. The choir under the leadership of Mr T. Dowson rendered suitable hymns. Miss D. Lavender being organist. Three comrades of the late Private Coxon attended the service and headed the cortege to the grave. Mr and Mrs Coxon and Miss Jobling have been much comforted by the many tokens of sympathy received and desire to express their gratitude for the same. Private Coxon was their only son and the blow has been one which only those placed in such circumstances can appreciate but the kindliness shown has not been with out its compensations.
In the next grave are William's parents. The grave does not have a headstone.
William Coxon is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.12, C105.15 and C105.40
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 284
