George M. Cox

George Montague Cox MBE, MC, AFC, Order of the Crown (Belgium) was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Early life Cox was born in Calcutta, India, on 31 October 1892. He was the son of Horace and Alice Emily Cox.

Military career Cox served originally in the Royal Berkshire Regiment, being commissioned on 18 December 1914. In 1916, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 3847 in a Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Catterick Bridge on 20 November 1916. Posted to No. 65 Squadron in 1917, where he scored five victories flying the Sopwith Camel.

After training as a fighter pilot, he was posted in 1917 to 65 Squadron where he flew Sopwith Camels; particularly no. B2411. He tallied his first victory on 15 November 1917. He scored four more in the period to 17 May 1918, with his last one recorded while flying Camel no. C8272. Cox was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery and success.

He then was transferred within theatre to command No. 2 Test Flight RAF. Cox married Marjorie Evans on 16 April 1919 at Acton in Middlesex, they had two sons, Peter and John. He was transferred to the unemployed list on 16 June 1919.

Cox was commissioned as flying officer in the General Duties Branch, Class A of the Royal Air Force Reserve of Air Force Officers on 6 March 1928, being confirmed in the rank on 6 September 1928, and flight lieutenant on 6 August 1929. On 6 March 1933 he was transferred to Class C of the Reserve.

During World War II Cox was serving with the Royal Air Force General Duties Branch of the Reserve of Air Force Officers as a flying instructor when his tireless work was recognized with the award of an Air Force Cross. He was promoted to squadron leader in March 1941, and wing commander on 1 June 1942.

Cox retired as wing commander on 10 February 1954.

Later life In June 1958, having been Assistant Airport Manager, Prestwick Airport and Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, George Montague Cox was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). He died on 19 February 1977, aged 84, at Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire.

Honours and awards Military Cross (MC) awarded in July 1918 as T./Capt. George Montague Cox, Gen. List and R.A.F. Ordinary Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).