Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

LATE CAPT. A. R. F0X.
B.M.A.'s SYMPATHY.
Dr J. Raymond Fox has received tho following letter of sympathy from the secretary or the Victorian branch of the British Medical Association in connection with the death of his son (Capt. A. Raymond Fox), which shows how highly the young doctor was thought of in his profession : — "At the last meeting of the Council of the Victorian Branch of the B.M.A, I was directed to offer you from the President and members our deep sympathy with you and your family in the great loss you have sustained by the recent death of your son, Capt Raymond Fox, A.A.M.G., A.I.F. During the whole of his career at the University and Ormoud College, and during his tenure of office as resident medical officer at the Melbourne Hospital, 1916 and 1917, he was in close touch with many of our members. He made many friends by his untiring energy at his work, and courtesy and consideration for the feelings of others. We know he did splendid work as Resident Medical Oflicer, and when he enlisted and was sent to Broadmeadow's Camp, he quickly became a favourite with the officers and men under his care. While on active service in France he proved himself a courageous officer, especially at the advanced aid post under shell fire, and gave his best service to  relieve and cheer the men with him. At that time he was seriously ill but stuck to his job until evacuated to England with Trench Fever. The Council feels deeply that his death on his way home, at sea, is a great loss to the profession for he was just entering on a brilliant career.  It must have been a real tragedy to you and his family who were daily expecting his return. Please accept our profound sympathy with you in your sorrow." 

The Rev. C, M. Lowe waited on Mr and Mrs J. Raymond Fox with the unwelcome news that their son, Capt. A. Raymond Fox, A.A.M.C., had died at sea when enroute for Australia. A previous message received stated that Capt. Fox was returning home, and the highest hopes were entertained at seeing the popular young medico shortly home again. Cpt. Fox was 25 years of age, and his death occurred on the 23rd August. He took ill some time ago when in France with his regiment, and was about to proceed to England at a later date to convalesce, but his regiment again went forward, and with that true nobility of character that one could expect he went into action again and " stuck it out." Evidently the strain on his system was too great, and he was so ill  that he was subsequently invalided home. With the soldiers he was considered a first class mail in his profession and his unfailing courtesy and consideration for the men made him beloved by all, many letters having been received by parents in recognition of his kindness and skill. Capt. Fox passed an excellent examination for his medical degree at the Melbourne University and subsequently practised at the Melbourne hospital. He later on, before enlisting, assisted his father (Dr J. R, Fox) in his practice at Stawell and everyone spoke highly of him. There is no doubt from his achievements that he had a brilliant career, and the death of such a hero is a national loss, for men of his type are in great demand at the present juncture. Everyone in the town was shocked to hear of his death, and the expressions of sympathy on all sides were genuine and heartfelt. Dr and Mrs Fox and family are to be sincerely sympathised with in their bereavement, and they have the consolation of knowing that their son "did all that he could," and aided and restored many a sick and wounded soldier before he died as a result of his attention to the soldiers. At the annual meeting of the Rod Cross Society last night, Mr D Mitchell said that Mirs Fox, one of their most ardent workers, had that day received word of the death of her son Capt. A. R. Fox, when returning to Australia. They all deeply regretted the loss Dr and Mrs Fox had sustained, and he moved that a letter of sympathy he sent Mrs Fox, Seconded by Mrs Wittenbach and carried.