Athol Cox and Eileen Merry

[halcyon.64]

Hello. I have recently purchased a diary written in 1941 by Athol Cox. The seller told me that Athol and his wife (Eileen Merry) had originally come from Birkenhead in the UK and moved to Australia, where they adopted a relative who called them Uncle Athol and Aunty Eileen. They never had any children of their own.
I looked at the WWII Nominal Roll and there are 3 soldiers named Athol Cox - two were definitely born in Australia (Bathurst, NSW and Bairnsdale, Vic). The third - Athol Keith Cox - was born in Singleton - a place name in both Australia and the UK. His NOK is listed as Alfred Cox and his DOB 1920's
My feeling is that this is not the right person as his service number indicates he didn't leave Australia whereas this fellow was in Malta and the diary is Greek. I suspect he served with the British forces during WWII.
I would appreciate any information about Athol and Eileen so that I can tell his story better.

Many thanks,
Kathryn.

[majm]

The naa.gov.au has the WWII service file indexed with POB as Singleton.  I confirm that as it does not mention an overseas location that it would refer to a location in Australia.  I have NOT looked further as you have not confirmed that you already know the chap born in Singleton is no longer living.  It is against RChat rules to name persons in this public forum who may still be living.

ADD
The naa.gov.au needs confirmation of death to process requests for access to individual service files.

JM

[cupoflife]

The Argus  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22540633
MERRY-COX marriage

[cando]

WW2 service summary

http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.aspx?serviceId=A&veteranId=511056

Cando

[cupoflife]

His fathers death:
The Argus 24Jan1955 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71691277
COX.-On January 22, at the Bairnsdale Hospital, Albert Henry, dearly loved husband of the late Lilla Jane Cox. and loving father of Athol, and Ian. -At rest.
The Argus 29Jan1955 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71692174
COX. - Albert Henry Cox. of 71 Pearson street. Sale, dearly be loved husband of the late Lilla Jane Cox, and loving father of Athol and Ian. -At rest.

Adding: 1955 #16052 Albert Henry COX
Father's name: COX Fredrick Arthur
Mother's name: Charlotte Barwise (Williams)
Place of birth: BAIRNSDALE
Place of death: BAIRNSDALE
Age: 78

[cando]

COX Athol
Died 7 May 92
Cemetery Traralgon Cemetery
Religion: C of E
Comment:  Husband of Eileen
Eileen died in 2000

Gippsland Memorial Crematorium   
COX    Athol Henry Arthur       12Jun 1914   - 0May 1992   Cremated   

From the Public Record Office of Victoria
https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/explore-topic/wills-and-probates
Probate and Administration Files
Description:    1180982
COX Ida Eileen
PAYNESVILLE
WIDOW
Date range: 2000 - 2000
Public access:    Open
Format:    Physical
Location:    North Melbourne
This Item is part of   Series number: VPRS 28
Consignment number: P0030
Unit number: 421

Gippsland Memorial Crematorium   
COX    Ida Eileen           7 Sep 2000   Cremated   

Cando

[cando]

Birth
COX Athol Henry Arthur
Father Albert Heny  Mother Lilla Jane NAPPER
At Bairnsdale  1910's  Reg#18419

Births Mar 1904 
MERRY Ida Eileen        Birkenhead    8a/532

Cando

[cupoflife]

http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/archivenotice/2577104/view?random=1519556159287
COX. - Ida Eileen of Paynesville, passed away (peacefully) on Sept. 7, 2000, aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of Athol (dec. ), greatly loved friend of the Haylock family and all those who knew her. Reunited with Athol. At rest. God Bless

[cando]

Ida E MERRY,21, teacher departed London on21 Apr 1925 on the LARGS BAY ticketed to Australia.  Last address in England  39 Shrewsbury Road, Birkenhead.

Ida Eileen MERRY, 25, teacher departed London on 16 Jan 1931 on the BARRABOOL ticketed to Melbourne.  County of last permanent residence, England.  Country of Intended Permanent Residence, Australia.  Last Address in England - C/- Bona Vista, The Grove,   Bebington, Cheshire

I E MERRY  33, Teacher, departed Liverpool on 11 Dec 1937 on the THERMISTOCLES ticketed to Australia.  Last country of permanent residence, other parts of the British Empire.  Last addresss in England.  The Grove, Bebington, Cheshire

Cando