Tasmanian War Casualties

World War 11 Casualties

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Cox, Max William

The Mercury 10 Feb 1943

DROWNED AT KINGSTON

Soldier's Death

Max William Cox (19), a member of the Tasmania Force Band and Drums, was drowned while bathing at the mouth of Browns River at Kingston Beach at 10.45 am yesterday.

Onlookers saw. Cox in difficulties, and Noel Donovan and other members of the band assisted him to the shore. Artificial respiration was unsuccessful. Cox was a son of Mr and Mrs S. G. Cox, of Staverton, and formerly lived at Nietta. The death was reported to the Coroner (Col Clark).

The Mercury 4 Mar 1943

ACCIDENTAL DEATH

Soldier Drowned

A finding of accidental death was recorded yesterday by the Coroner (Col Clark) at an inquest on the death of Max William Cox (19), CMF, a member of the Tasmania Force Band and Drums. Cox was drowned at the mouth of Browns River at Kingston Beach on February 9.

Pte Colin Wells said he was sunbathing near the mouth of the river when he saw Cox run along the shallow water at a place in the river where there was a steep drop. He saw Cox disappear and later realised that he might be in difficulties. Pte Rex Bullimore had gone to Cox's assistance and tried to hold his head above water.

Bullimore was almost exhausted when witness reached Cox. He dived and succeeded in bringing Cox to the surface, but could not hold him up. Sgt Graham assisted witness to shore, and Sgt Graham and Pte Donovan recovered the body of Cox,

Pte NoeL Donovan said he could see no sign of life in Cox from the time when he first saw him lying on the river bottom.

Pte Oscar Charles Holmes said that while Cox was undressing he complained about a pain in his stomach.

Tpr Roy Joseph Chilcott, Kingston, said the depth of the river where the body was found was between 10 and 12ft, and it dropped steeply from the shallow water.

Insp Perkins appeared for the police, and Major A. D. Tynan for the military authorities. Major Tynan paid tribute to the efforts of Bandsman Graham and youths to rescue Cox.Col Clark said Cox evidently had had cramp, as he was in the water only about four minutes.

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