Lance Corporal Joseph Wood

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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15th November 1948

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

73 years ago today, on the 15th November 1948, Lance Corporal Joseph Wood (D.C.M.), also known as Joe, 30th Battalion (Reg No-2490), ship carpenter and labourer (Walka Water Works, West Maitland, N.S.W.) and foreman at B.H.P. Steelworks, widower from 59 Chinchen Street, Islington, New South Wales and 42 Old Belmont Road, Belmont North, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 75 or 79. CATHOLIC 2-32. 144.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140350884 - funeral notice states service as Sgt./Major and Boer War.

Born at Ohio, U.S.A. (June 1869? or 1873?) to ? and ? Wood; husband of Elizabeth Wood nee? (married 23.5.1918, no marriage certificate with Service Records, did not return home with Joseph, died?) of 207 Upholland Road, Orrell, Lancashire, England, Joseph enlisted September 1915 (stated age 42 years, 3 months, could have been 46) at West Maitland, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137972509 - report of farewell being organised by the Islington Military Presentation Committee.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137967992 - report of presentation.

Wounded in action - 12.10.1917 (GSW left knee, 1st Battle of Passchendaele).

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal 5.6.1917.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and devotion in carrying out wounded under heavy fire in daylight.'

Joseph was invalided home June 1918, being discharged medically unfit on the 25th July 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159095235 - report of welcome home to be held by the Islington Military Presentation Committee.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159095764 - welcome home at the Tighes Hill Rosedale Hall.

I have not located Mr. Wood’s name inscribed on any known War Memorial or Roll of Honour. Note - Islington never produced a War Memorial or Roll of Honour, only 2 Church Rolls of Honour.

I located Joseph resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so August 2020 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA this month asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip to restore Honour and Dignity to Joseph.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.