COX, Clive Mortimer, Rev (1903-1942)
Assembly memorial minute, 1943
The Rev. Clive Mortimer Cox was born at the Bank of Victoria, Prahran, in 1903. As a lad he attended St. George’s Church, East St. Kilda, of which at that time the Rev. Andrew Gillison was minister. He received his early education at Wesley College, and it was an address to the boys by Mr. L.A. Adamson, the headmaster, that turned his mind towards the ministry. Mr. Adamson had suggested that each boy, in planning his future, should aim to carry on the work of some man whose career had been curtailed by the Great War. Clive Cox resolved to carry on the work of the Rev. Andrew Gillison, who, as chaplain, had fallen on August 22nd, 1915. To this end he entered the University of Melbourne (1924-1927), and did his Theological Course at the Ormond College Theological Hall (1928-1930).
On leaving the Hall, he was appointed by the Home Mission Committee to Dartmoor. He was ordained in St.George’s Church, East St.Kilda, on December 6th, 1932. His first charge was Murray Bridge, South Australia. In 1935 he was translated to the charge of Hillston, New South Wales, and in 1938 to that of Berrigan. When war broke out, he felt called to offer his services as chaplain to the Forces, and did chaplaincy work in camp at Seymour and Mount Martha. He was later detailed for service at the forward areas. In New Guinea, on December 28th, 1942, he met his death.
He was engaged, in company with other chaplains, in special burial duty when he was shot in the back by a Japanese sniper. Every possible effort was made, but in vain, to save his life. His body was buried in a military cemetery, New Guinea. His death caused great sorrow among all in his battalion. Chaplain Cox was one who identified himself thoroughly with the men. Many inspiring appreciations have come forward, from both officers and men, testifying to the faithfulness and zeal with which he threw himself into his work. Like that of his boyhood hero, Padre Gillison, his own career has been curtailed by war, but his influence abides.
He has left a widow and three children, and to them, as also to his parents, his brother and his sisters, the Assembly tenders its very sincere sympathy. His father and mother are honoured members of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Brighton.
Gender
- Male