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The information displayed here is at the time of death.
Joseph was the born on 10th August 1894 in Ty Coch, Welshpool. He was the youngest son of Joseph Henry and Sarah Davies (nee Morris).
He was educated at Welshpool Grammar and County Schools, then Armstrong College (1913 - 1915), where he had passed his intermediate for the BSc. He was captain of the Association and Rugby teams at the college, and a member of the Students Representative Council. He was also Honorary Secretary of the Athletic Association. He was well known on the sprinting track in the Midlands and the North and had won many trophies, including as University Champion in the 100 and 200 yards' races.
Joseph was commissioned as Second Lieutenant into the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 1st Battalion, on 16th December 1914, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 8th October 1915. He served in France and Flanders.
Joseph was killed in action during the attack on Ginchy on 3rd September 1916 aged 22. His Commanding Officer wrote to his parents "He was given the command of his company and died the death of a true soldier. You should be very proud indeed of him." Another officer wrote "You son was seen attacking four of the enemy single handed. He killed three of them and, as far as we know, he was killed by the fourth. He was a fine company commander and set a high standard of efficiency and discipline in the company by his personal energy and example."
1 Broad Street, Welshpool, Powys, Wales (place of residence 1901 and 1911 Census)
Joseph is buried in the Delville Wood Cemetery Longueval in Somme, France.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The War Graves Photographic Project.
Newcastle University Archives (Roll of Service, Armstrong College Calendars, The Northerner Student Magazine)
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
Sophie Anderton
Ian Johnson
Alan Callender
Sam Mitchell