Warrant Officer Class One Arthur 'the Angry Ant' Cox was one of those Gunners whose service transitioned through the post Second World War Army to the (then) modern era of the 1960s and 70s. This is well illustrated by his active service tours of Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam.
Arthur Cox was born at Mortdale, New South Wales on 11th July1928 and enlisted in the new Australian Regular Army on 5th April 1948. He was part of the School of Artillery's depot 53rd Field Battery before moving to 1st Field Regiment when it was raised in 1949. He joined 105th Field Battery in Malaya as a reinforcement sergeant on 13th July 1956, serving until the unit returned to Australia on 31st October 1957.
Promoted warrant officer class two in 1962, he became Captain Don Quinn's Troop Sergeant Major in 102nd Field Battery, deploying to Singapore/Malaysia with that unit on 13th October1965. This posting included service in Sarawak, Borneo when the 102nd deployed from 3rd May1965 to 20th July1965. Don recalls him affectionately as an outstanding troop sergeant major who kept three ‘over six feet tall’ gun sergeants on a very firm leash. He was hard but fair and highly respected by his peers, superiors and the ‘diggers’. When not on duty, he was a good family man who enjoyed a beer - but never let anyone take advantage of him.
On return to Australia, Warrant Officer Class Two Cox enjoyed a posting at the School of Artillery before returning to his beloved 102nd Battery (now in 12th Field Regiment) as the Battery Sergeant Major. The unit deployed to Vietnam on 3rd March 1968 and was in the front line for the Battle of Coral in May that year. He returned to Australia on 4th February 1969. Battery Captain Don Tait described Arthur as 'an old mate' who will be irreplaceable. On behalf of the members of that 102nd Battery tour of Vietnam, Don said he was deeply saddened that 'one of us' will no longer be able to parade.
After a posting to the Citizens Military Forces as a member of the Australian Regular Army cadre with 7th Field Regiment in Sydney, he became the Battery Sergeant Major Headquarters Battery 19th Composite (later 8th Medium) Regiment. Following a desire to remain in the Sydney area, Arthur in succession served with 23rd Cadet Battalion, 9th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment as the Regimental Sergeant Major, 2nd Training Group and Headquarters 2nd Military District before retiring at 55 years of age on 9th July 1983. Sadly, Warrant Officer Class One Arthur 'the Angry Ant' Cox passed away on 1st February 2011.
During his 35 years in the Army, Arthur Cox was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. His service continued with the RSL NSW State Headquarters after retiring from the Army. For his endeavours with the Sydney Anzac Day Marches, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1990 and the Centenary Medal in 2001.
Vale Arthur Richard 'the Angry Ant' Cox - old soldier, highly respected Gunner and loving family man. Gone to that Great Gun Park up above after 83 years meritorious service on earth. |
