Gunner Joseph McNamee.
278472 Royal Garrison Artillery ( No. 8 Reinforcement Siege Depot).
Died of Wounds 2nd December 1917, aged 39.
Joseph was born in the March quarter of 1878 in Burnley. The son of Patrick McNamee and Ann Waldron. In the 1881 census the family lived at 28 ½ Hatters St Burnley. Patrick 38 mason’s labourer, Ann 36 factory worker, both born in Ireland. Margaret Ann 8 and Joseph 2 both born in Burnley.
By the time of 1891 census his mother Ann was a widow and her and Joseph (13) lived at 14 Clay St Burnley.
Joseph married Grace Flood in the Dec quarter of 1901 in Burnley. By the time of the 1911 census they had moved up to Gateshead, Durham and were living at 5 Beacon Cough, Sheriff Hill. Joseph was 33 and a stone man in the colliery, Grace 31 and Leonard 7.
From the Burnley Express dated 5th December 1917: OUR FALLEN HEROES - IN TWO WARS
A hero of the South African and European wars, Gunner Joseph McNamee (39) 27472, Royal Garrison Artillery, is to be buried at Burnley Cemetery on Thursday. He died at Catterick Yorkshire. McNamee served in the Colonial Campaign at the commencement of the century for 2 years and 8 months. He re-enlisted on October 15, 1914, and went on Active Service at Christmas 1915. While in Egypt he suffered from dysentery. Subsequently he was drafted to France. On May 19th of this year he was wounded and lost the middle finger of his left hand. In civil life Gunner McNamee was a Collier and worked at Barden Pit. He was connected with St Mary's RC Church. A member of the Burnley branch of the Irish League, he served that organisation as vice president. His nephew Patrick Naughton, was killed on May 26th. The gunner was a widower, and leaves one son. His sister Mrs Naughton lives at 13 Temple Street.
From the Burnley Express dated 5th December 1917: ROLL OF HONOUR
McNamee – Of your charity pray for the soul of Joseph McNamee, who died 2nd Dec. 1917, aged 39 years, in Carrick Camp, Yorkshire. To be interred at the Cemetery, Burnley on Dec. 6th.
"Mourn not for him, nor lay your heart
Within that lonely grave
Think you those narrow bounds could hold
This spirit strong and brave?
That steadfast soldier’s heart was not
For this brief life alone, Tis aa a soldier he will stand
Before the great white throne.
From his son Leonard.
If those who caused this cruel war
Were the only men to fight
This world would be the brighter
And less aching hearts tonight."
From his sister Maggie – R.I.P. – 13 Temple St, Burnley.
From the Burnley Express and Advertiser dated 8th December 1917: WITH MILITARY HONOURS
The funeral took place at the Burnley Cemetery on Thursday afternoon of Gunner Joseph McNamee, whose sister Margaret McNaughton lives at 13 Temple St. Gunner McNamee died last Sunday at Carrick Camp, Yorkshire. "2 soldiers formed the official military party of the cortege in addition to the Sgt. Who brought the body, and 3 soldier friends. A volley was fired over the grave and the last post was sounded – Gunner McNamee was wounded on May 9th of this year.
Lived at 13 Temple Street.
Joseph left his effects to his sister Margaret Ann McNaughton.
Joseph was buried in Burnley Cemetery, England: Grave Ref; Screen Wall. A16730. Son of Patrick and Ann McNamee, of Burnley; husband of Grace McNamee, of Burnley.
