Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Staff Sergeant Verdun Howard "Vern" Cox

World War II Veteran

Service No. S19805

5 May 1916 – 21 November 1975

Staff Sergeant Verdun Howard Cox, known throughout his life as "Vern," was born on 5 May 1916 at Dry Creek, South Australia, the son of Frederick William Henry Cox (1886–1942) and Helene Esther Cox (née Promnitz) (1887–1970). He was raised in the Dry Creek district, a community with strong agricultural, railway and industrial connections on Adelaide's northern outskirts.

Before entering military service, Verdun worked as a storekeeper and practised the Lutheran faith. As Australia mobilised for the Second World War, he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces at Prospect, South Australia, on 7 August 1940, receiving Service Number S19805. His service record shows that he served with the 27th Battalion (South Australian Scottish Regiment) and later with units of the Australian Army Service Corps, eventually serving with 4 Australian Army Ammunition Depot (4 A.A.A.D.). His military career extended throughout the war and into the post-war occupation period, including continuous full-time duty from 19 January 1942 until 23 May 1948. During nearly eight years of service he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, a senior non-commissioned appointment reflecting significant responsibility and experience. Although he did not serve overseas, he made an important contribution to Australia's wartime defence and military administration. His service is commemorated on the Cheltenham Lutheran Church World War II Honour Board at Flinders Park, South Australia.

While serving in the Army, Verdun married Lorna Claire Smith (1921–2002) on 4 July 1942 at the Lutheran Church on Military Road, Semaphore South. Lorna was the daughter of Leonard Lawrence Smith. Together they established their family home in the Dry Creek area and became the parents of four children:

Christopher Verne Cox (1943–2018)
Helen Loris Cox (1947–1999)
Philip Cox
Susan Cox

Following his discharge from the Army on 23 May 1948, Verdun returned to civilian life and remained closely associated with the northern Adelaide community where he had been born and raised. At the time of his death he was residing at 4 Gum Avenue, Dry Creek.

Verdun died at Modbury Hospital on 21 November 1975, aged 59 years. Funeral notices appeared in The Advertiser, and he was memorialised at Enfield Memorial Park. His memorial plaque records him as the beloved husband of Lorna and loving father of Christopher, Helen, Philip and Susan, concluding with the simple inscription:

"In God's Care."

Today, Verdun Howard Cox is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a respected member of the Dry Creek community, and a World War II veteran whose military service spanned almost eight years during one of Australia's most significant periods of national service.

Sources

South Australian Birth Registration 978/114 – Verdun Howard Cox, born 5 May 1916, Dry Creek, South Australia.
South Australian Marriage Registration 444/4678 – Verdun Howard Cox and Lorna Claire Smith, married 4 July 1942, Semaphore South.
South Australian Death Registration 306A/9051 – Verdun Howard Cox, died 21 November 1975, Modbury Hospital.
National Archives of Australia, Service Record S19805 Verdun Howard Cox, confirming enlistment, units, rank, full-time service and discharge.
The Advertiser (Adelaide), death and funeral notices, November 1975.
Enfield Memorial Park memorial inscription.
Cheltenham Lutheran Church World War II Honour Board.

By Trevor Pyatt 27/05/2026