Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Joseph was born at Barnard Castle in 1899. His parents were Patrick and Rose (nee Froud). The couple married at Kingston, Middlesex in 1886 and went on to have 7 children together but sadly five of them died.
There is no trace of the family on the 1901 census but they do show on the 1911.
The family were living at Merrington with Patrick working as a bricklayer’s labourer above ground. Daughter, Rose was a day girl (domestic) whilst Joseph was still at school.
Joseph enlisted into the army at Ferryhill. He first served as number 80604 with the 3rd Reserve Battalion Durham Light Infantry but later transferred to 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.
The war diary on the date of his death, 12/04/1918, shows his unit serving at Steenwerck. His officer writes:- “Just before dawn the battalion moved to support the troops holding the Ridge Defence Flank north of Steenwerck. The day was quiet.
5.30pm Enemy attacked and succeeded in penetrating post line and A and B Coys. were ordered to fill the gap in the vicinity of Neuve Eglise. The situation was restored and maintained throughout the night despite many attempts by the enemy to establish himself in houses etc in the vicinity”.
Joseph died of wounds received in action perhaps received during this offensive.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Joseph Armstrong is remembered at Kirk Merrington on K26.01
