Photo : Kevin Buckland

David John Anderson, nephew, has submitted the following:

Joseph [Joe] Ward was born in New Hartley on the 26th February 1922, to Thomas [born 27th January 1884], and Margaret Ward, [born 5th May 1889], and was one of five brothers and three sisters. Edna sister [born 14th June 1920], married an Anderson, persuaded Joseph to join the Navy. In 1939 they were residing at 17 Starlight Crescent, Seaton Valley, Northumberland. The family later resided at 44 Bristol Street, Seaton Delaval

Joseph was a keen footballer.

He was Ordinary Telegraphist P/SSX 31783 and served on HMS Hood and died in the sinking of the Hood by the Bismark.

His elder brother Stanley was also n the Royal Navy.

My uncle Joe's service record shows that he volunteered rather than be conscripted to join the Royal Navy on the 13th November 1939. He was drafted to VICTORY 1 stone frigate (shore base) where presumably he did his basic training and Wireless Transmitter training for 10 months.

On the 28th September he was drafted to HMS Hood, which happened to be at Rosyth Dockyard at that time.

Joseph Ward is remembered at Seaton Delaval on S7.03, in Seghill on S11.03 and on our List of Ships’ crews.

HMS Hood Roll of Honour
The CWGC entry for Ordinary Telegraphist Ward