Private, 43166 (2293), 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.
Harry was born on 16th May 1896 in Norwich, Norfolk, one of the thirteen children of George (a bootmaker) and Elizabeth Coxford who later lived at 18 Rosebery Road, Catton, Norwich.
He was educated at Angel Road School, Norwich until aged 14 and then was employed at Barnards Engineering Works, Norwich.
He enlisted in the 3/6th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, on 27th July 1915 and was posted to 2/6th in November. He went to France on 30th July 1916 and was posted to 1st Battalion in the following month.
His last letter, dated 28th August, included…
I have just heard that Rumania has declared war on Austria that's good news aint it that will help to shorten the war wont it, I don't think it will last long now, lets hope so anyhow. There are several chaps here who I used to go to school with so you see I'm alright for pals. I don't think you need send me a parcel it would be very welcome of course but look what it would cost besides we are getting decent food so we cant grumble under the circumstances…
Harry Coxford died on 4th September 1916, aged 20, during an attack on Falfemont Farm, near Guillemont.
Four of his brothers also served and one -- Private Walter George Coxford, 31793, 11th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers -- died on 14th October 1917, aged 23. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
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