article in Canberra Times
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110324648?searchTerm=Rex%20Foulkes
and also
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220164672/14493839
confirms date of death 1.3.1970
cass
Hi Cass… thank you for taking the time to research and post such a sad story on Rex.
I will explain the connection for any who may be interested.
My family were a service family living in Aldershot, UK in August 1964. Having escaped from our backyard married quarter, I was apparently intent on following my brother and his friends - I tried to follow the group across one of Aldershot’s busiest roads (Wellington Avenue) …they crossed on the green man… me on red. I was promptly caught by the rim of a Post Office Lorry driven by Rex. I was 2 years 9 months old.
Witnesses said I went higher than a streetlight. I was taken to an office nearby awaiting an ambulance. The next time my mother saw me was on a table in that office with blood everywhere from a skull fracture and running out my ears.
My patents to this day remember Rex who was absolutely distraught, he was not at fault. He apparently visited often bringing gifts each time. My parents recall that he quit his post office job and shortly after went to Australia. They remember him in the manner reflected in the article you posted. I have the British newspaper articles on my own accident.
As for me, I became a Paratrooper also - serving for 39 years from boy to man, saying my own accident was my first of a few hard landings.
So sad to read that he met his end in a road traffic accident while there. My parents who are still living will also be saddened to hear of this outcome.
I’m very glad he is remembered in Australia by way of the marathon - does the event still continue?
Once again many thanks to you.
RIP Rex - Forever Airborne.
