Home for Good

 

Joe had enlisted and left home on 19th January 1915, married on 20th July 1915, left for London on 25th July 1915 and embarked for France on 15th September 1916. 

 

Joe's cap badges

Almost a year later- 20th September 1917 - he was seriously injured by a gunshot to the head, presumably while manning the Lewis Gun that he had been trained to use. Joe was initially taken to a field hospital in France (Abbeville) where he stayed until 28th September. He arrived at the military hospital in Chester on 29th September and stayed for several months.

Joe(seated left) in his hospital "Blues" (the uniform worn by soldiers in hospital), his head

injury evident.

While Joe was being treated and transported home, the news of his injury was on its way to Sarah, at home in Cowley Road, Bootle. Sarah saved the telegram, together with the envelope it came in; it was found with her postcard album

These two documents reflect the terror that Sarah must have felt when receiving this letter from the army. All of the postcards, photographs and documents that I have of Sarah's have been kept in near pristine condition. And yet that envelope has been ripped, in her obvious haste to see what was in it. In fact it did give potentially bad news - Joe had a gunshot wound to the head and it was noted to be severe.That Sarah kept that telegram, with all her photos and postcards, shows what she must have gone through when she received it. When I hold it, I can almost feel her anguish. 

Whilst  Joe never returned to the front line, on regaining his health on 16th May 1918 he became a member of the Military Foot Police. I have his service record of this: he signed a declaration that he would uphold the tradition and values of the service. He served in Manchester and I believe Sarah went to stay Manchester for a few months soon after, as there were no more cards, except one in June of that year. So-  presumably, no need for any of those lovely postcards!

Joe was awarded the Military Medal and received it on 30th May 1918 at a ceremony in Heaton Park Manchester.

 

 

He is seen here (3rd row back, directly above the man in the bowler who is seated, centre)  There are children, older men and women also there, presumably wearing the medal of a father, son or husband who never returned.They also suffered, who had to carry on after the loss of a loved one.

 

I also have a copy of the letter he received from his CO advising him on the military medal. It is so matter-of-fact! But the information about the fate of his comrades is absolutely devastating in the language of the time. 

 

 

 

“Dear Smith

You have been awarded the Military Medal. I am sorry I did not see you before, but I have been having such a busy time that I had no chance to do anything at that time. I suppose that you have heard that D Company has been wiped out by a big German attack. I was away at the time; the only NCOs left were ASM Hamilton, Corporal Price […] who were on leave at the time and ? whose horse fell lame and ? who was on a course

I am in command of those left of C & D Companies.How are you getting on?

The following got the MM the same time as yourself Sgt……….. etc. All D Company LCs have gone west. They put up a splendid fight against the Huns”

 

Joe was seriously injured and we will never know how his injuries affected him in later life. However, of course, he was one of the lucky ones and how full of joy Sarah must have been. However, as we will see in the next blog, both Sarah and Joe lost a brother to the War - one near their home of Liverpool but the other 1000s of miles away from home in Gallipoli.