Sergeant Joseph Reid.
240549 2/4th East Lancashire Regiment.
Missing in Action 21st March 1918, aged 34.
Joseph was born about 1885 in Bacup Lancs, the son of John Reid and Margaret O’Brien. In the 1891 census the family lived at 11 Lord Court, Newchurch, Bacup, Lancs. John 38, Margaret 37, Michael H, John 11, Sabina 8, Joseph 5, Mary 3, Margaret 2 and Sarah 2 months.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 15 Chapel St, Rishton, Lancs. John 50 a tailor, Margaret 48 both were born in Ireland. Bridget O’ Brien mother-in-law 70, Sabina Pickup 20 (Dau), Joseph 15, miner, Mary 13 weaver, Bernard 8 and Nancy 1 (granddau).
Joseph enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers on the 14th July 1902. He served mainly on the home front until he was discharged 13th July 1914. He had a couple of years in Gibraltar 1903-1905. He also had a couple of brushes with authorities in the army for being drunk and abusing superior Officers.
He married Edith about 1906.
In the 1911 census Joseph (25) and Edith (31) and their child, Maggie (4)were boarding with an Angus McHeague at 23 Russell St, Burnley Wood, Burnley.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 25 May 1918: MANY MEN PRISONERS AND MISSING.
Sgt Joseph Reid 32, 240547 (sic,240549), East Lancs, son of Mr and Mrs Reid 8 Kirkgate Burnley, has been posted as missing between March 21st and 31st. He enlisted in September 1914 and has seen much Active Service. While at the Dardanelles he was invalided home. He followed the occupation of a Collier at Farnworth, and was connected with St Mary's RC Church. A brother was killed at the Dardanelles and another laid down his life in the Boer War.
Lived at 8 Kirkgate.
Joseph left his effects to his father John.
Joseph is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France: Panels 42 & 43. Son of John and Margaret Reid, of 15, Chapel St., Rishton, Blackburn.
