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Joseph Edward WILSON

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Surname: WILSON

Forename(s): Joseph Edward

Place of Birth: Blackburn, Lancashire

Service No: 36489

Rank: L/Corporal

Regiment / Corps / Service: East Yorkshire Regiment

Battalion / Unit: 11th (Service) Battalion. (2nd Hull)

Division: 31st Division

Age: 40

Date of Death: 1921-03-12

Awards: D.C.M.

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: ---

CWGC Cemetery: SAMLESBURY (ST. LEONARD THE LESS) CHURCHYARD

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial(s): Not Listed (View Names Not Listed on a Local War Memorial)

Additional Information:

Joseph Edward Wilson was the son of John and Elizabeth Wilson, née Wilcock (also known as Ditchfield). John was born at Samlesbury and Elizabeth at Cuerden, Lancashire.

1881 Blackburn, Lancashire Census: 39, Infirmary Street - Joseph E. Wilson, aged 1 month, born Blackburn, son of John and Elizabeth Wilson.

1891 Blackburn, Lancashire Census: 183, Mosley Street - Joseph E. Wilson, aged 10 years, born Blackburn, son of John and Elizabeth Wilson.

1901 Blackburn, Lancashire Census: 32, Queen Victoria Street - Joseph E. Wilson, aged 20, born Blackburn, son of John and Elizabeth Wilson.

Joseph was married to Elizabeth Ann Shorrock in 1907.

1911 Blackburn, Lancashire Census: Ivy Dene, 39, Lynthorpe Road - Joseph Edward Wilson, aged 30 years, born Blackburn, husband of Elizabeth Ann Wilson.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Joseph E. Wilson, 36489, E. York. R.

British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Joseph E. Wilson (D.C.M.), 36489, 11th E. York. R. Trans: Class 'Z' A. R.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Joseph.

Joseph is commemorated in the digital 'Blackburn Roll of Honour 1914-1921' (www.cottontown.org). He was a church bell ringer and is commemorated on the Roll of Honour of The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.

The informal title of the 11th (Service) Bn East Yorkshire Regiment (2nd Hull) was the Hull Tradesmen.

Data Source: Craven Herald Article

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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---

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L/Corporal Joseph Edward WILSON

L/Corporal Joseph Edward WILSON

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: East Yorkshire Regiment

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: East Yorkshire Regiment

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 31st Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 31st Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: No entry in SDGW.

Forename(s):

Born:

Residence:

Enlisted:

Number:

Rank:

Regiment:

Battalion:

Decorations:

Died Date:

Died How:

Theatre of War:

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: WILSON

Forename(s): Joseph Edward

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 36489

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment: East Yorkshire Regiment

Unit: 11th Bn.

Age: 40

Awards: D C M

Died Date: 12/03/1921

Additional Information: Son of John and Elizabeth Wilson; husband of Elizabeth Ann Wilson, of 73, Holmefield Rd, St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancs.

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Citations of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-1920

36489 L/Cpl. J.E. Wilson (Barnoldswick)

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his section forward during a daylight raid. He inflicted many casualties on the retiring enemy, and though wounded rendered great assistance destroying dug-outs, and afterwards withdrew all his men safely. (28. 3. 18)

‘Blackburn Times’ (15 December 1917)

(From the website: cottontown.org.)

A GRATE HAUL

D.C.M. FOR A WELL-KNOWN ODDFELLOW

RECOMMENDED FOR A COMMISSION

Lance-Corporal J. E. Wilson, of the East Yorkshire Regiment, who before enlistment, resided at 39 Lynthorpe-road, Blackburn, has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in action. In a raid by his battalion they took about 60 prisoners and killed about 150 of the enemy, in addition to capturing two machine guns and sixteen trench mortars. They also blew up ten dug-outs, all this being accomplished in fifteen minutes. Lance-Corporal Wilson, who has spent about twelve months on the Western front, was wounded in the arm by a rifle bullet during the raid. The gallant soldier is a member of the Parish Church belfry, and he took part on Sunday evening in ringing a peal of Bob Minor, the ringers being placed as follows: – Treble, E. Eastwood; 2, W. Briggs; 3, J. Woods; 4, E. Duteson; 5, W. E. Wilson; 6, J. Watson; 7, Lance-Corporal J. E. Wilson, D.C.M. After ringing, his brother ringers heartily congratulated Lance-Corporal Wilson on his distinction. Lance-Corporal Wilson is a Past Grand Master of the Loyal Well Wisher Lodge of Oddfellows (M.U.), and at the annual meeting held in West-street Council School last Saturday night, the Secretary reported that he had been awarded the D.C.M. for distinguished conduct in the field, during a daylight bombing raid, A resolution of congratulation to Brother Wilson was adopted, and to mark the Lodge’s appreciation of the honour, it was decided to add the letters D.C.M. to his name on the Dispensation Board. During the evening the gallant Corporal visited the Lodge and was greeted with rounds of applause. Addressing the gathering, he spoke very modestly of his achievement, declaring that many others of his platoon had distinguished themselves quite as much as he but had not been so fortunate in having their conduct brought to the notice of their superior officers. The letter from his Colonel apprising him of the honour also contained the gratifying announcement that he would have pleasure in recommending him for a Commission. Corporal Wilson is a native of Blackburn. He is an expert amateur photographer, and in the competitions promoted by the Blackburn Camera Club, of which he is still a member, has carried off many prizes with his exhibits.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1921

WILSON Joseph Edward of 5 Duckworth-street Blackburn died 21 March 1921 Probate London 21 May to Elizabeth Ann Wilson widow. Effects £176 16s. 11d.

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St Leonard the Less Churchyard, Samlesbury

St Leonard the Less Churchyard, Samlesbury

CWGC Headstone

St Leonard the Less Churchyard, Samlesbury

St Leonard the Less Churchyard, Samlesbury

Family gravestone - detail of memorial inscription

View Craven Herald Articles

View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

07 December 1917

BARNOLDSWICK D.C.M. WINNER

The accompanying portrait is that of Joseph Edward Wilson, East Yorkshire Regiment, who has just been awarded the D.C.M. for his participation in a raid on a German first line trench on November 8th. Wilson is a married man and a native of Blackburn, but lived in Barnoldswick prior to joining the Army in May, 1916. He has spent 12 months on the Western Front, and was shot through the arm during the raid, having since been in hospital at Sutton Veny (Wilts.) but is expected home this week-end, when the news of his decoration will no doubt prove a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Wilson (who lives at 38, Lower East Avenue) having already received the ribbon accompanied by the congratulations of his Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Col. H. Ferrand).

The incident which earned Lce.-Corpl. Wilson distinction is best told in his own words, in a letter to his wife written from hospital:–“We had to leave everything in our packs while we went over. We were making a raid–the biggest of its kind ever attempted during this war. We lost 51 killed and wounded, and took about 60 prisoners and killed 150, besides capturing 2 machine guns, blowing up 10 dug-outs, and 16 trench mortars. So that was not so bad in 15 minutes. It was a lovely fight, though I was only in it about ten minutes.” The raid took place on a Thursday and Lance-Corporal Wilson arrived at Southampton the following Sunday morning. He has been offered a commission.

12 April 1918

BARNOLDSWICK – Presentation to a D.C.M. Winner

At the Wesleyan Sunday School on Monday evening a present of a wristlet watch and a Bible was made to Lce.-Corporal Joseph Wilson (East Yorks Regiment), in recognition of his having been awarded the D.C.M. in France last November. Lce.-Corporal Wilson, who is a native of Blackburn, was wounded at the time of his exploit, and since his recovery has been stationed at Ripon Camp. The gifts were handed to him by the Rev. A. Bradfield and Mr. E. Watkinson (superintendent).

25 March 1921

BARNOLDSWICK – Former Soldier’s Death

His numerous friends in Barnoldswick will learn with deep regret of the death of Mr. Joseph Edward Wilson, which took place recently at Blackburn at the age of 40 years. Deceased, who formerly resided at 38 Lower East Avenue, Barnoldswick, served with distinction in the late war as Lance-Corporal in the East Yorks Regt. He was awarded the D.C.M. “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion” while leading his section during a daylight raid in France, afterwards withdrawing all his men safely although wounded himself during the exploit. His conduct on this occasion was still further recognised when he was subsequently presented with a wristlet watch and Bible by members of the Barnoldswick Wesleyan Sunday School with which he had been connected. On his demobilisation, he returned to his native town of Blackburn. Latterly his health had left much to be desired. Mr. Wilson was an enthusiastic amateur photographer and bellringer. He leaves a wife but no family. The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) week at Samlesbury, near Blackburn.

View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles

View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles

West Yorkshire Pioneer Logo

07 December 1917

BARNOLDSWICK D.C.M. WINNER

The accompanying portrait is that of Lance-Corporal Joseph Edward Wilson, East Yorkshire Regiment, who has just been awarded the D.C.M. for his participation in a raid on a German first line trench on November 8th. Wilson is a married man and a native of Blackburn, but lived in Barnoldswick prior to joining the army in May, 1916. He has spent 12 months on the Western Front, and was shot through the arm during the raid, having since been in hospital at Sutton Veny (Wilts.), but is expected home this weekend, when the news of his decoration will no doubt prove to him a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Wilson (who lives at 38, Lower East Avenue), having already received the ribbon accompanied by the congratulations of his commanding officer (Lieut.-Col. H. Ferrand). The incident which earned Lance-Corporal Wilson distinction is best told in his own words, in a letter to his wife written from hospital:– “We had to leave everything in our packs while we went over. We were making a raid – the biggest of its kind ever attempted during this war. We lost 51 killed and wounded and we took about 60 prisoners and killed 150, besides capturing two machine guns, blowing up 10 dug-outs, and 16 trench mortars. So that was not so bad in 15 minutes. It was a lovely fight, though I was only in it about ten minutes.” The raid took place on a Thursday – Lance-Corporal Wilson arrived at Southampton the following Sunday morning. He has been offered a commission.

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