William (Bill) Bethel FOX, was born in Avoca, Ireland on the 8th March 1918. Named after his grandfather of the same name, William became known as ‘Bill’. Sadly, Bill’s father (Sergeant George Robert FOX) was killed in action during the First World War, just 6 weeks after Bill was born. Like so many other soldiers – Sergeant George FOX never saw his son. Bill’s mother remarried and emigrated to Australia around 1928. As if this family had not suffered enough, 3 of Bill’s uncles were also killed during the Great War.
IMAGE LEFT: Sergeant George Robert FOX – the father of William (Bill) Bethel FOX. Tragically this soldier lost his life, just six weeks after his son was born. Previously of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, George was seconded to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment) as can be seen by the maple leaf on his collar. Born at Harold’s Cross in Dublin, George was the son of William Bethel FOX (Senior) and Elizabeth Margaret FOX, of Ireland. George was the husband of Elizabeth Mary Kearon (formerly Fox), of West Street, Polruan, Fowey, Cornwall, England. Sadly, he was killed in action on the 26th of August, 1918 – aged just 24 years. He lies buried in the Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery at Haucourt, France. This photo had been taken during June, 1918 just two months before his death.
IMAGE RIGHT: Company Serjeant Major William Bethel FOX of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Service Number 10366). Not to be confused, this particular man was the brother of George Robert FOX and had been named after their father. Killed on the 21st of March, 1918 – William has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. This photograph was taken during September, 1917. William (known as ‘Billy’ was the deceased uncle to ‘Bill’ who served in the Navy during World War 2). In effect, there would be three generations of men in the FOX family, who would bear the name of “William Bethel”.
IMAGE LEFT: Second Lieutenant James (Jim) Joseph FOX of the 11th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Jim was the husband of May L. Fox, of 132, Beresford Rd., Hornsey, London and during his service, he had been ‘Mentioned In Despatches’. Jim was killed in action on the 1st of September, 1918 lies buried in the Trois Arbres Cemetery at Steenwerck in France. This photograph was taken during May of 1916, prior to Jim gaining a Commission.
Having immigrated to Australia with his mother and step-father, young Bill FOX attended school in Coburg, Victoria. As Dux of the school in 1934, it is likely that Bill could have applied himself to any career or profession of his choosing. However, having lost his father and three uncles during the First World War, perhaps it was this family history that would influence Bill to look towards a career in one of the armed services. He joined the Navy in September 1934 and was sent to HMAS Cerberus until May 1935. Bill was then posted to the Light Cruiser HMAS Brisbane (I),then served on HMAS Sydney (II) for nearly 3 years.
IMAGE RIGHT: Petty Officer William (Bill) FOX, Service Number 20394, Royal Australian Navy.
He served on various ships including bringing HMAS Perth (ex HMS Amphion) back to Australia. During the following years he rose in rank and performed the role of torpedo instructor on a number of ships. Fortunately, Bill was to survive the Second World War, however he decided to remain in the Royal Australian Navy until 1948. He then went into the Merchant service until 1954. Bill had 3 children to his wife, Marion. Sadly, he died due to an ulcer operation in 1966 – having served his country for over twenty years.
It is unfortunate that on occasion, heirlooms within a family go astray and in Bill’s case – his war service medals are missing. His son Liam would dearly love to have these medals returned to him, so that the memory of his father can be commemorated by the descendants of William (Bill) Bethel FOX. Can you help?
IMAGE BELOW: The war service medals, as awarded to Petty Officer William Bethel FOX of the R.A.N. (Royal Australian Navy). From left to right:- 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal.
These war medals are missing and the descendants of Petty Officer William Bethel FOX are trying to locate them. They have not been seen for over thirty years. Can you help? If you have these missing war medals, or know of their whereabouts, can you please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator through the “contact us” page of this website.
In loving memory of my father, Petty Officer William Bethel FOX. Composed by his son, Liam.
My father’s first wife (died Dublin 1942) was Harriett Catherine Fox, daughter of old Wm Bethel Fox (born Dublin 1860). I am anxious to find a photograph of her. Can Liam Fox help, please?
Bill Mc C