Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Joseph was born at Wingate, Durham in 1881 then later baptised on December 28th 1881. He was a son of John Edward Savage Rowlands and Christina (Bonallie) who was known as Catherine. The couple were married in 1872 and went on to have 13 children although sadly 5 died.
Father John was a joiner in1891 whilst his eldest son, Edward, was a joiner’s apprentice. Joseph’s siblings at that time included Abigail, Margaret, Elizabeth, Roseina (who died aged 5 years), Catherine and John.
There were 2 additions to the family by 1901 William and George. Their father was now a joiner at the colliery. Son Joseph was working as a general labourer.
By 1911 John was a colliery putter and brother, William, was a colliery pumper. Their father, John, died in 1914.
Joseph joined the 4th Battalion Durham Light Infantry on November 29th 1901 serving with the number 7108. He remained there until his discharged in November 1907. He served in South Africa where he was awarded the Queen’s South Africa medal and clasp.
He married his sweetheart of Margaret Jane Gray on August 17th 1912 at St Silas Church, Byker, Newcastle.
Very soon after WW1 broke out he re-joined his old regiment and battalion enlisting at Bishop Auckland on August 11th 1914. Unfortunately, several of his military papers are very difficult to read so dates and places cannot be confirmed.
It was noted he had two tattoos on his arms. The right forearm showing R R whilst on the left the Maltese Cross.
He was regularly absent from tattoo beginning in November 1914. His punishments were usually forfeiture of pay and confinement to barracks, sometimes extra guard duties were applied. His absenteeism was appalling.
He was posted to France with 10th battalion on August 11th 1915 but just over a month later he was killed in action on September 20th 1915.
His total war service amounted to 1 year 141 days.
His widow was paid a pension for herself and two children as from April 10th1916 at 18/6d per week. His children were two daughters named Lizzie Jane and Sarah Ann. Sarah Ann was born posthumously on October 19th 1915 which was a month after her father’s death. The family was at Riseburn, Middridge and then moved back to Byker.
Monies due to Joseph were £2.10s.11d then later £4.0s.0d war gratuity.
Medals: 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
Joseph Rowlands is remembered at Middridge on M51.01
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page
