Thomas Richard Elcox (1899-1933)
Born Worcestershire - Bow Patch, Arley Kings, Stourport - 29th July 1899
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WW1 Service - 100 Years on: 1914-2014
Medal card of Elcox, Thomas R Corps: Machine Gun Corps Regiment No: 154882
The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, England, TW9 4DU
The Machine Gun Corps
Formed during WW1 (October 1915) the MGC saw action in all the main theatres of war, including France, Belgium, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Salonika, East Africa and Italy. In its short history the MGC gained an enviable record for heroism as a front line fighting force. Indeed, in the latter part of the war, as tactics changed to defence in depth, it commonly served well in advance of the front line. It had a less enviable record for its casualty rate. Some 170,500 officers and men served in the MGC with 62,049 becoming casualties, including 12,498 killed, earning it the nickname 'the Suicide Club'. At the end of hostilities the MGC was again re-organised in a smaller form as many of its soldiers returned to civilian life. However, the Corps continued to see active service in subsequent wars: the Russian Civil War, the Third Anglo-Afghan War, and in the Northwest Frontier of India. It also served prominently in the British army which occupied parts of Germany in the period between the 1918 Armistice and the Versailles Peace Treaty. Its equipment and training made it possible for a relatively small garrison to control a large population. The Corps was disbanded in 1922 as a cost-cutting measure. |
Service # 154882. Rank: Private. Regiment: M.G.C. - The Machine Gun Corps of 1914-1918. At war's end Richard was only 19 years old, yet he had served long enough to see active service and receive these medals.
His Niece, Myrtle Marsden (nee Southall) wrote in a letter to Joyce Alve (Jan. 1996) that, "I believe he was in France 1916-18 before his services in India. We seem to think he left England in 1923 but aren't sure." His WW1 medals were passed on to his son William Thomas Elcox and subsequently to his his grandson Terence Alve who currently holds them. Pte. T.R. Elcox also had in his possession a Bavarian Military Merit Cross, without a ribbon. This medal may have been taken in battle from a dead or wounded German soldier. 
An MGC gun team with their Vickers machine gun
The Boy David Memorial to the Machine Gun Corps in London. The Vickers Guns on each side of the Boy David (which each have a laurel wreath laid over them) are actual Vickers Guns.
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Immigration to and Life in New Zealand
Thomas Richard Elcox
Richard arrived in NZ around 1923/4.
Annie & Richard's daughter Joyce Alve (2012) commented that Richard, after working in Foxton (where) he arrived by ship from England, and in Shannon, worked for Fred Farmer (Annie's uncle) who lived next door to her family home at Glen Oroua. He would come and sit at the back doorstep and talk to Annie there. At the time of their marriage (May 1925) Thomas was described (see Marriage Certificate) as a Labourer and Annie as a teacher of music
Richard subsequently developed a carrying business before being killed in a sheep truck accident on Leen's Line (Road) in February, 1933. He is buried with Annie in the Rongotea cemetery. Annie died in March 1951.
Thomas and Annie had three children: Joan Edith (b. 22 June, 1926), William Thomas (9 October, 1927) and Joyce Mildred (19 November, 1929). As a widow Annie continued to operate the carrying business into WWII before selling it to Norman Terry in 1940. Annie died in March 1951.
Annie & Richard's daughter Joyce Alve (2012) commented that Richard, after working in Foxton (where) he arrived by ship from England, and in Shannon, worked for Fred Farmer (Annie's uncle) who lived next door to her family home at Glen Oroua. He would come and sit at the back doorstep and talk to Annie there. At the time of their marriage (May 1925) Thomas was described (see Marriage Certificate) as a Labourer and Annie as a teacher of music
Richard subsequently developed a carrying business before being killed in a sheep truck accident on Leen's Line (Road) in February, 1933. He is buried with Annie in the Rongotea cemetery. Annie died in March 1951.
Thomas and Annie had three children: Joan Edith (b. 22 June, 1926), William Thomas (9 October, 1927) and Joyce Mildred (19 November, 1929). As a widow Annie continued to operate the carrying business into WWII before selling it to Norman Terry in 1940. Annie died in March 1951.
Marriage 20th May 1925
L-R: H. Morgan, T. Richard Elcox, Annie Farmer and Ida Farmer
L-R: Merle & Joan Coward; Joyce & Val Alve.
Joan & Joyce are daughters of Richard & Annie Elcox |
Manawatu Evening Standard June 25 1925Page 1 - Marriage ELCOX-FARMER
At Presbyterian Church Glen Oroua on May 20th 1925 by Rev. W.S. Tremain. Thomas Richard Elcox, Worcestershire, England to Annie Mable Farmer, Glen Oroua. Page 5 - ELCOX FARMER A wedding which caused considerable local interest was celebrated on May 20th at Glen Oroua Presbyterian Church by Rev. W.S. Tramin of Rongotea. The contracting parties being Annie Mable daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Farmer of Glen Oroua and Thomas Richard only son of Mr & Mrs T. Elcox, Areley Kings, Worcestershire, England. The Church had been tastefully decorated by friends of the bride and the music was played by Miss Sanson. The bride who was given away by her father was attired in a fawn satin marocain frock with shoes and stockings to match, and a smart black hat. She carried a sheaf of chrysanthemums and maiden hair fern. The bridesmaid, Miss Ida Farmer, wore a grey marocain frock and hat and carried a bouquet of autumn shades. Both the bouquets were the gifts of Mrs H.J. Lancaster of Glen Oroua. The bridegroom was supported by Mr. H. Morgan of Foxton as best man. A reception was afterwards held in the local hall when the usual toasts were honoured, about 100 guests being present. Numerous telegrams were received from absent friends. The three-tiered wedding cake which was much admired, was made and presented by Mrs F. Farmer, sister-in-law of the bride. Later the happy couple left for a brief motor tour. Mr & Mrs Elcox were the recipients of many beautiful and valuable presents (including several cheques). One gift being a handsome tea set and travelling rug to the bride from the members of Glen Oroua Anglican Church in recognition of her services as organist for a number of years. |
Val Alve and Joyce Elcox Wedding 3 February 1951
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L-R: Val Alve, Maureen Alve (neeDiver), Margaret & Joyce Alve, Bill Elcox, Joan & Merle Coward - January 1972
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William (Bill) Thomas Elcox 1927-1998
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Marriage Certificate for TR Elcox
and AM Farmer. Click to enlarge. 
Death Certificate for TR Elcox.
Click to enlarge. |
CARRIER KILLED----o----
Lorry Goes Over a Bank --------- ACCIDENT NEAR RONGOTEA --------- DOMINION SPECIAL SERVICE Palmerston North, Feb. 5.
Fatal injuries were received by Mr. Thomas R. Elcox, carrier, aged 35, when his lorry went over a bank on Leen's Road, Rongotea, yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Elcox, left Rongotea yesterday morning for Feilding to pick up a load of sheep, and it was on the return trip that the accident happened. On Leen's Line, about 1½ miles from Rongotea, the lorry went over a bank, about 3ft. 6in. deep, on the right-hand side of the road, completely turning over and pinning the driver beneath. In the over-turning of the lorry the sheep were liberated. The body was brought into Palmerston North by the Free Ambulance. Mr. Elcox, who was about 35 years of age, came out from England ten years ago and was married in Rongotea. P.9 - 7 February 1933 |
"Campbelltown Rongotea" by Vera HuntThomas Elcox
Thomas Elcox was born in Worcestershire, England in 1900. In his youth he served two years with the Imperial Forces in France during WWI after which he was transferred to India where he served a further two years. He returned briefly to England before coming to New Zealand in 1924. After a short time in Foxton, Thomas came to Rongotea and married Annie Farmer in the Glen Oroua Presbyterian Church. They lived on Rongotea Road between the township and the cemetery. Thomas entered into the business of carrier and contractor having a shed for his truck in Mersey Street, being situated on the second section nort-east of the Square. His main line of cartage was livestock, ie. bobby calves, sheep and pigs to the Borthwicks Freezing Works, with other local jobs to and from sales. His service to farmers and freezing works was proving most successful from which he gained respect of those he was associated with. Thomas had a fatal accident with his two ton truck on Leens Line when returning from Feilding with a load of sheep. The truck went over a bank 3' 6" deep and overturned pinning Thomas underneath. He left a widow and three young children Joan, William and Joyce who attended the Rongotea School. Annie, his wife kept the carrying business going, employing regular truck drivers, Stan Port as manager and Frank Saxton. When Stan Port was called up to go to the war in 1940, Annie sold the business and purchased a farmlet at Bainesse. Published 2011 ~ ISBN 978-0-473-18152-9 |
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Aug 29th (193)2 Yorkshire Insurance Coy Wellington Dear Sir With reference to Premium on Chevrolet Truck. When I last had this Truck Insured at your Company for £200 the Premium paid was £11-9-0. Now I want it insured for £150 the Premium has risen to £15-10-0. My International Truck is insured with your Coy for $350 with Premium only £15-12-0 so I consider the Chevrolet Premium to be out of all proportion. Mr Bosworth did not know the amount of Premium at the time I spoke to him & had I known it to have been one tenth the sum insured for, I would not have gone on with the matter. As I am not in a position financially to pay the amount I would be much obliged if you would cancel the Insurance Policy. I remain Yours Sincerely Thos R Elcox (signed) |
A page in TR Elcox's Business Letters Book that was
subsequently used for pasting Knitting Patterns |
Burial in Rongotea Cemetery
Photograph by Terence Alve 14th August 2015
In Loving Memory Of
THOMAS RICHARD ELCOX
1899-1933
AND
ANNIE MABEL ELCOX
1897-1951
LOVED PARENTS OF
JOAN, WILLIAM & JOYCE.
