Lance/Corporal Joseph Farrell
4579 2nd East Lancashire Regiment
Died of Wounds 5th February 1915, aged 22.
Joseph Farrell
(Joseph’s brother Thomas Farrell was killed in Action 3rd May 1917)
Joseph was born in the September quarter of 1892 in Burnley the son of James Farrell and Mary Ann Crowhurst, In the 1901 census the family were living at 34 Ryland St., Burnley. James 52 a labourer, he was born in Dublin. Mary Ann 40 was born in Poona India. Charles 17, labourer, Margaret 16 weaver both born in Kent. William 15 weaver, James 13 both born in Ireland. Mary 9, Joseph 7, Thomas 3, all born in Burnley, and Sarah Crowhurst Mary Ann’s sister.
In the 1911 census the family had moved to 92 Hurtley St., Burnley. James 63, Mary Ann 50, William 25, James 23, Joseph 18, Thomas 16 and Mary 20. Joseph’s parents had been married 28 years with 8 children of whom 1 had previously died.
From the Express and Advertiser dated 10th Feb 1915: Might Never See Him Again. Prophecy That Came True.
News was received yesterday morning of the death of Lance-Corporal Joseph Farrell (4579), of the 2nd East Lancashire regiment, who resided at 92 Hurtley St., Burnley. The sad news was conveyed in a letter snet by C.M. Chavasse. A chaplain with the forces who writes under Saturday’s date, “Dear Mrs Farrell,- I am grieved to have to tell you of the death of Lance Corporal J Farrell of the 2nd East Lancashires, who passed away in the hospital yesterday. He was brought in on the 3rd inst. With a bad wound in the chest and was hardly ever conscious. He told me he had seen a priest at the field ambulance and he wished me to send his love to you. He would never say any more. He passed very peacefully away, and a French priest who could talk English buried him in a little cemetery at this place today in a special spot reserved for soldiers fallen in the war. A wooden cross marks the exact spot and he had his name and Regiment upon a metal tablet. I pray that God may himself be your comfort in your great sorrow, and always remember that Lance Corporal Farrell died like our blessed Lord Himself, in the service of others.”
The photograph we publish was sent by Lance-Corporal Farrell to his mother just before he left England for the war. At the back of it he wrote, “Just a few lines to let you know that I am still living. Excuse me for not writing to you before now, but I have not forgotten you. I am sending you a photograph of myself. You might not see me again, as I am going to the front on Wednesday. Write back soon and let me hear from you and all at home.
Lance Corporal Farrell was the son of the late Sgt Farrell, whose seven children were all born under the colours. Sgt Farrell who died about three years ago, had served 27 years in the army and took part in the Afghan War. Lance-Corporal Farrell was born in the Burnley Barracks, and served five years in the Reserve. He was a weaver at Messrs’ Thistlethwaite’s Elm St., Shed, and the news of his death was received yesterday at the mill with an impressive silence.
In his last letter home Lance-Corporal Farrell said that the Germans shouted from their trenches that the English were no good. One day the Germans wanted a fire but they daren’t go for wood. So they sent two children for the wood, knowing very well that we should not fire on them. He asks his sister to send the “Burnley Express” to him.
From the Express and Advertiser dated 13th Feb 1915: Local War Items:
Three more members of the Burnley Weaver’s Association have been killed in action, and death claims have been paid this week. The unfortunate members are John Holden, & Hinton St; James Tattersall 114 Briercliffe Rd and Joseph Farrell, 92 Hurtley St. Particulars and photographs of the three soldiers have already appeared in the “Express.”
From the Express and Advertiser dated 9th June 1917: Family Follows in Father’s Footsteps. Burnley Miner Missing: Brother Wounded.
The late Sgt Farrell, who served 27 years in the Army, and took part in the Afghan War, had a family of seven, all born under the colours. Of these two were girls, and one of the boys died. Of the remaining four, one, Charles, who works at the pit, has tried several times to join the army without success, owing to lack of fingers on one hand. The boys evidently imbibed by some of the martial spirit of their father, for all the other three donned Khaki. Lance-Corporal Farrell, of the 2nd East Lancashire’s, who was born at Burnley Barracks, and who in effect prophesied his own death, was wounded on Feb 3rd 1915 and passed away in hospital a few days later. He had been in the Militia, and was in camp when war broke out.
Tom Farrell
Now it is the misfortune of his brother to receive official intelligence that his brother Tom, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who enlisted before he was 18 years of age, and would have been 20 next month has been missing since 3rd May. He has seen a good deal of active service in France. About 18 months ago he was wounded in one of the big battles, some time later he was gassed; and then he was invalided to Scotland, where he recuperated. Like his brother James, he was a jinney-tenter at Reedley pit. Pte. James Farrell of the East Lancashire Regiment, who is 27 years of age, joined the King’s Forces immediately after the commencement of the war, and early saw active service. He has only had one furlough, and has been at the front about a year and nine months. He was wounded in the shoulder in one of the important engagements some time ago, and is now in hospital near Penrith, and doing very nicely.
James Farrell
Joseph lived at 92 Hurtley Street, Burnley.
Joseph left his effects to his Mother Mary and siblings Charles, James, Thomas, Mary and Margaret.
Joseph was buried in Merville Communal Cemetery & Extension, France: Grave Ref; I.K.58
Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2025