Photo: Brian Chandler
J.C. Osborne
Royal Artillery
19th August 1941, age 32.
In loving memory
of my dear husband, Joseph
death divides
but memory clings.
Joseph Clarke was the son of James and Mary Ann of Newcastle upon Tyne and the husband of Doris of Faringdale Road, Benwell. He attested for the Royal Artillery in 1940 and served with the 1st Reserve Field Regiment. He was accidently killed, along with fellow soldier, Thomas Dutton by a car driven at night during the blackout in Burton, Staffordshire. Three other soldiers were injured. The accused Gunner Grainger, aged 20, of Burton was charged with two counts of manslaughter and two of causing bodily harm. He was committed for trial, especially after a coroner’s warrant was issued after a jury found him guilty at an inquest of manslaughter. At his trial Grainger pleaded not guilty and afterwards was acquitted of all charges.
Acknowledgements: Ron Carson
Joseph Clarke Osborne is listed on the Army Roll of Honour.
