Military History

Joseph is listed as being killed in action on 18th August 1916 during the Battle of Delville Wood. The 6th Battalion war diary entries for the period 17th to 19th August are transcribed below.

Delville Wood – 17 Aug 1916 – 6am: C.O & Coy commanders went to Bde HQ to go into detail of attack ordered for following day (18^th). During their absence Btn commanded by 2^nd in Command & Coys by their 2^nd in Command who were ordered up for this purpose. Heavy bombardment of enemy’s position from 8am to 8pm when intermittent bombardment was substituted. Our positions heavily bombarded by enemy all day. C.O and Coy Commanders returned from Bde HQ about 10pm.

Delville Wood – 18 Aug 1916 – 2am: 2^nd in Commands returned to Transport Camp

6am: On our right 6^th Somerset L I & on our left 6^th K.O.Y.L.I. Heavy bombardment of enemy trenches until zero at 2.45pm when attack was launched. Intense bombardment by field guns from 2.45 to 2.50pm – B Coy with one platoon of A Coy on the right & D Coy on the left. Objective was reached in perfect order under cover of our barrage.  3 platoons of A Coy followed immediately in support, while C Coy (in reserve) was thrown in at 3pm.

Then heavy casualties suffered by D Coy were caused chiefly by machine gun fire from the left flank.

At 6pm owing to heavy fighting, heavy casualties & length of line (approximately 500 yards) the extreme right of this position only was maintained, largely owing to the initiative and gallantry of 2/Lt Jessop & a block established.

The line was reorganised in Devils trench (original position) & captured portions on right was held by bombers & the remnants of B & C Coys.

About 150 prisoners taken. Heavy casualties in officers & other ranks.

Delville Wood – 19 Aug 1916: 6 Reserve Officers to replace casualties were ordered up from Pommiers Redoubt. Our original line & the captured position were held by groups & Lewis guns. Enemy bombardment trenches intermittently during the day. From 7.30pm to 9pm he maintained on heavy barrage which caused a few casualties.