Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Joseph Wilkinson was born 1894 at Holmside, Craghead, County Durham, one of 10 children, 6 boys, 2 girls and 2 deceased (gender unknown) born to coal miner deputy overman, William Alexander L. Wilkinson 1865 Moorsely, Houghton-le-Spring and Mary Ann Foster 1867 of Ryhope, County Durham, who were married 1887 in the district of Sunderland. At the age of 17 Joseph was also employed at the colliery as a driver, his elder brothers were putters.
Joseph Wilkinson enlisted at Stanley in 1914, firstly assigned to the Border Regiment as Private 17017 and later transferred to the 5th Battalion Royal Innsikilling Fusiliers as Private 16665. Having concluded his training in Basingstoke he was embarked at Liverpool for the Balkans, July 10th 1915. The 5th and 6th Battalions landed at Sulva Bay as part of the 131st Brigade, 10th Irish Division, 7th August 1915. They were moved on in September for service on the Macedonian Front. Between April and June 1918 many units of the Division were replaced by Indian units and the 5th Battalion left for France and service on the Western Front, now part of the 198th Brigade, 66th (2nd East Lancashire) Division, July 19th 1918. They were n action at the Battle of Cambrai, the Pursuit to the Selle and the Battle of the Selle, October 17-25th 1918. During this battle Private 16665 Joseph Wilkinson was wounded and taken to La Treport, an important hospital centre where he died of his wounds, October 28th 1918. As the cemetery at La Treport filled it was necessary to use a new site at Mont Huon, it is here at Mont Huon British Cemetery that Private Wilkinson is laid at rest, grave VII. L. 7A. Joseph was 24 years old and single.
His father William received all monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to 4, Lambton Terrace, Craghead, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Joseph Wilkinson is remembered at Craghead on C120.01 C120.02 and C120.04
