Joseph Edward WILSON

‘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.

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)

A Short Diary of the 11th Service Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. 1914 – 1919. Compiled By “Some of Them.” (1921).

Aug., 1917.

. . .On relief, we sideslipped southwards to the Arleux sector, where conditions were still comparatively peaceful, and after about a month spent in and out of the line the battalion carried out a most successful day-light raid on the enemy’s trenches immediately to the north of Fresnoy park on November 8th. Over 200 of the enemy were put out of action on the most conservative estimate, largely by means of mobile charges, while our own casualties were only sixty-one, most of them being slight, and we had the additional satisfaction of capturing twenty-one prisoners and a machine gun, and destroying another machine gun and two trench mortars. The proportion of officer casualties was extraordinarily high, since four out of the eight killed were officers. Among these was Capt. C. A. Saville, one of the original officers of the battalion, who as O.C. No. 6 Platoon, as Bombing Officer and as O.C. A Company, and, moreover, as the officer primarily responsible for the organization of every kind of sport within the battalion, had endeared himself to all who served with him by his gift of apologetic satire when times were bad and his unfailing readiness to help on each and every occasion. . . .

This raid produced an enormous crop of decorations, Capt. C. J. Oake and Lieuts. Walker, Whittington-Ince and Jenkin receiving the M.C., Sergt. Marritt and Lance-Corporals Morrod and Hackitt the D.C.M., and some twenty Military medals were awarded to other N.C.O.’s and men. The effect on the enemy’s morale must have far exceeded their actual casualties, as they were bluffed in every conceivable way, dummy gas and a Chinese attack playing a prominent part. Our own morale was correspondingly raised, especially when we heard that the division whose front we had raided had had to be withdrawn for repairs and sent to a less strenuous sector to restore its shattered nerves. . . .

D.C.M.

36489 Corpl. J. E. WILSON. 1917

For good work during a raid on the German trenches in front of Fresnoy (Arras–Lens sector) on the 8th November, 1917. The work consisted of getting his men into line after they had made a mistake in getting into our own barrage. He also did good destructive work, since he had two R.E.’s attached to his section.

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.