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Report of 2nd Lieutenant Dealler

Spelling and grammar is as on the original typed report. The Star Cross Roads is to the south of Achiet-le-Grand

EVIDENCE OF 2nd Lieut. F. E. DEALLER, CONCERNING BEHVAIOUR

OF PTE. COX. C.A. STRETCHER BEARER TO "B" COY. 7th Bn. BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, DURING OPERATIONS 13th to 17th MARCH, 1917.

On the 13th March I saw Pte. COX on several occasions in and about the Loupart Line, always either vigourously searching for wounded or carrying cases quite oblivious to the heavy bombardment.

On the morning of the 15th March "B" Coy. was advancing over Hill 130 in support of the leading Companies facing the Bihucourt Line. I saw COX come over the Hill in rear of me undisturbed by the fact that he was being fired at as an individual target. He told me he had just bound up five men and asked where he could find more work. He did not wait to be told but went straight forward.

Subsequently, I saw him carrying a wounded man near the Star Cross Roads where fire from both artillery and M.G. was very heavy. The wounded man made a violent spasmodic movement and brought Cox to his knees (I was told subsequently) that this was owing to the fact that he was hit again by M.G.). Cox got up and carried on.

Subsequently, after his own Company had withdrawn from the front line, I saw him go up again towards the the front line through M.G. fire though I believe all the wounded from his Company were already back.

He did not rejoin the Company till about 12 hours after and although a very powerful man, whom I have never seen tired before, he was thoroughly exhausted.

The troops are unanimous in their enthusiasm on his behalf and in their desire to see him rewarded by an honourable decoration.

7-4-1917

Sd. F. E. Dealler, 2nd lieut.

7th Bn. Beds. Regiment.