Military History

Joseph is listed as being killed in action on the 27th July 1916. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 26th to 29th July are transcribed below.

Pommiers Redoubt - 26.7.1916: C.O, Coy Commanders and Adjutant inspected ground in neighbourhood of Longueval.

The Battalion left its bivouacs, Pommiers Redoubt. Brigade advanced H.Q. there owing to very heavy barrage of poison gas shells in the valley the Battalion halted for two hours, the barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible and only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported. Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German 2nd line trenches were approached (Captain F.V. Parker wounded).

Longueval - 27.7.1916: Battalion arrived in position & assembly in German 2nd line of trenches and improved cover.

5:30 a.m. Operation orders received and communicated to Company Commanders.

7:30 a.m. "A" & "B" Coy. in accordance with orders, left to take up position in Longueval.

7:40 a.m. Report received from O.C. 1/Norfolk Regt that owing to heavy shell fire he required assistance.

8:20 a.m. O.C. 1/Bedfordshire Regt. arrived at H.Q. 1/Norfolk Regt. having arranged for A & B Coy to assault the eastern line in conjunction with Norfolks and C & D Coys to pass through and take first line. O.C. 16/Royal Warwickshire was requested to occupy front line trenches when they were vacated by C and D Coys. A and B Coys had at 7:30 a.m. occupied front line D, E and reserve trenches at B.

8:40 a.m. C Coy arrived at E and D Coy arrived at B and A Coy pushed across towards German Redoubt at F, with the two leading Norfolk Coys were being held up (100 prisoners surrounded here) & Lt Fyson with this platoon attacked house at G and took 32 prisoners.

9:5 a.m. C Coy advanced across Princes Street and were held up by Machine Gun fire from house at cross roads. This house was taken by a party of Norfolk bombers.

At the same time 2nd platoons of A Coy reached position marked H+K near Flers Road when they were in touch with the Royal Fusiliers on their right.

A German counter attack was met by LEWIS Gun and Rifle fire, the estimated enemy casualties being 50. Several small posts were observed on the Ridge, apparently protected by wire.

9:30 a.m. C Coy crossed Princes Street and took up a position parallel with North Street joining up the two leading Norfolk Coys. They were unable to progress further owing to heavy machine gun fire from Duke Street. They consolidated their position.

1 Officer and 30 O.R. went forward from B Coy at C to reinforce A Coy of Norfolks at A. This Company was held up by machine gun fire from direction of Duke Street and was unable to advance. Stokes Mortar Battery was asked to co-operate but did not come into action. Later heavy artillery was asked to bombard this post, while awaiting this and the opportunity to advance, B and D Coys endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment.

Casualties in the two Coys – B Coy 2 officers and 54 O.R. out of 6 officers and 166 O.R., D Coy 2 officers and 106 O.R. out of 5 officers and 176 O.R.

6:30 p.m. Royal Fusiliers on right owing to heavy shell fire retired and our line at K and H was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank.

7:00 p.m. B Coy received orders to retire to German second line trenches, leaving one platoon to hold line at A. A similar order was sent to D Coy but did not reach them and a second order was sent at 8:0 p.m.

9:0 p.m. C Coy tried to re-establish itself on East side of North Street but had to withdraw. They consolidated in touch with Norfolks and the South Staffords of 2nd Division.

Pommiers Redoubt - 28.7.1916: 1/DCLI and 1/E. Surreys arrived and took over the line and the Battalion withdrew to Pommiers Redoubt.

The total casualties were 9 officers 308 O.R. out of 23 officers, 807 O.R. Remained in Pommiers Redoubt all day reorganizing Battalion.