A Somerset railway will honour a young local man who died in the First World War with a memorial unveiling this September. The East Somerset Railway will mark the life of Private Francis Cox, who was killed aged just 22, with a plaque at Cranmore station on 22 September.

Private Cox served with the Royal Irish Rifles during the Gallipoli campaign, where he was seriously wounded. He was evacuated to Alexandria in Egypt but died of his injuries on 22 September 1915, exactly one year after the outbreak of the war.

Before enlisting, Francis Cox worked as a porter at Cranmore station and lived with his parents in Cloford, near Shepton Mallet. The railway said the unveiling will take place on the anniversary of his death, more than 110 years later.

Organisers are now appealing for relatives of Francis Cox to come forward who may wish to attend the commemoration. The railway said it hopes the event will help ensure his story — and the sacrifices made by local men — are not forgotten.

Anyone with information, or relatives who would like to attend, is asked to contact the East Somerset Railway by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01749 880417.

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