Landing at Gallipoli, 1915

Truro War Memorial

enlisted: 1915 in 18th Labour Company, Army Service Corps (Labour Munitions Corps, 6th Royal Cornwall Pioneers)

rank: Private SS/13940

died: 13th August 1915 Gallipoli

Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey and the City of Truro War Memorial, Boscawen Street, Truro 

History

The Pioneers were on their way to Gallipoli when their troopship 'Royal Edward' was torpedoed in the Aegean Sea. Many Cornishmen died before reaching the conflict. Principly from Truro and other Cornish towns and villages, they enlisted together and died together.

Joseph's daughters remembered how the news of the terrible loss of life was received. The shocking news reached the local newspaper office, and then spread by word of mouth through the city. Joseph's wife Rosa knew of her loss before any official telelgram arrived, as she heard the dreadful cries of her neighbours, spreading from house to house. They lived in Baynards Place, and nearly every house in that little street had lost father or son, brother or uncle. Joseph's brother survived the sinking however.

Last update 1st May 2007