I am deeply proud and honoured to have been invited to attend the commemoration of the award of the Victoria Cross to one of the sons of Kings Langley, Christopher Cox. Christopher Cox was 27 years old when he was awarded the Victoria Cross – Britain’s highest award for valour – as he served as a stretcher-bearer in the First World War.
Today, we look back in horror at the conditions experienced by our young men in the trenches in the First World War. These young men came from every village in the country to answer the call of King and country.
It is extremely important today for us to recognise the debt we owe to previous generations who fought to ensure our freedom and our way of life. I am proud to be Member of Parliament for the Hemel Hempstead constituency and I never under estimate the great privilege it is to be an elected representative of the people in a democracy that has been so hard fought for and defended by our forefathers.
In years to come, people who visit Kings Langley church will see this plaque and be reminded of the courage of this brave young man who repeatedly went to the aid of injured soldiers, saving their lives, even though he was under machine gun fire at the time.
I commend the work of the Parish Council, the organisers in France and Mr Cox’s family who have coordinated a fitting tribute to his gallantry. Sadly, it is all the more poignant as 90 years on our young servicemen and women are still risking their lives in the service of their country and democracy.
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