Tyne Cot Memorial
Tyne Cot Memorial: Pauline Priano
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Joseph was born in 1893 at Sheriff Hill to his parents Edward (general labourer) and his wife, Eleanor. In 1911 the family lived in a one roomed house at 6 Whitefield Road, Sheriff Hill. At this time Joseph was working as a quarry labourer.
Despite having a total of 8 children during their marriage only 2 (Joseph and Margaret) survived.
Joseph enlisted at Newcastle 11 December 1915 where he was confirmed as being 5’6” tall.
On 11 July 1916 he was posted to British Expeditionary Force then the following day joined his battalion, 13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.
By 4 August after being seen by 43 Field Ambulance he was sent to 23 Casualty Clearing Station (C.C.S.) with conjunctival problems of the eye. The problem must have been persistent as he was then forwarded to 13 Station Hospital at Boulogne. Later to rest camp then eventually to 35 Infantry Base Depot at Etaples then at last back to duty 26 May 1917.
He had only been on duty a short time when further problems arose in that he was punished for being improperly dressed at a G.O.C. inspection. It was also noted he had lost the shaft from his entrenching tool. He lost 3 days pay as a result.
Back to duty 25 July 1917 but on the same day he had to be treated at 50 Casualty Clearing Station for scabies and psoriasis. He was considered fit again by 30 July 1917.
Joseph went missing in action aged 24 years and his death was presumed on the 20th September 1917.
Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal
Joseph Craig Lonsdale is remembered at Gateshead on G39.004 and at Gateshead Fell on G39.064
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 255
