Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Joseph was the son of Thomas (died 1916) and Sarah (nee Edwards) (died 1913) of Spennymoor. The couple married at Dudley, Staffordshire in 1871 and went on to have 12 children together although sadly 8 died. Joseph was born at Tudhoe Grange in 1876. His siblings included Annie, Edith Hannah, Thirza Maria, Thomas Robert and Benjamin.
The 1881 census shows the family at 12 Iron Works Row with another Littley family living next door at No. 11. Thomas worked as a puddler at the iron works. A puddler converts cast iron into wrought iron by the process of puddling. Living at home with him was his children Joseph, Edith and Thirza. Also there were 2 fellow puddlers who were boarding with the family.
In 1891 the family was living at 12 BessimerTerrace, Tudhoe. Thomas continued with his work whilst son, Joseph aged 15 was working as a labourer at the ironworks. 16 year old, Annie is at the family home as is 6 year old, Benjamin.
By 1901 the family is setting out on their own as only Joseph and brother, Thomas live at home (as well as a boarder) which is now 14 Marmaduke Street, Tudhoe. Thomas has changed his job and is now a bottler in the cellar of an ale house stores.
In 1911 at Tudhoe Grange the family comprised father, Thomas aged 67 still employed as a puddler. Joseph is single and appears to be the only family member still at home. He is back to his old job of bricklayers’ labourer. A relative, Charles is staying with them on census night as is a boarder and a servant Mary Lynn.
At the older age of 37 years and 8 months Joseph attested at Spennymoor on October 29th 1914 then joined at Beverley. He was posted on November 12th 1914 to 9th Battalion, East Yorks Regiment. Later on December 20th 1915 he was posted to the 8th Battalion. His records show Joseph to be 5’9” tall, weighing196 lbs with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and dark hair which was turning grey. His trade was logged as a fireman. His faith was Church of England.
He embarked for France December 19th 1915 but soon afterwards on January 13th 1916 was wounded in the field. He was admitted the 17 casualty Clearing station with a serious gunshot wound to his back.
Only 4 days later Joseph died of wounds at 18 General Hospital, Camiers at 7.45 in the evening on January 17th 1916.
An obituary was published on 24/01/1916 in both the Hull Daily Mail and the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer informing the community of his death. Joseph was on old rugby footballer of the Tudhoe Club.
The Freeman’s Journal also noted Joseph’s death in their publication of 26/01/1916.
Joseph served a total of 1 year 81 days of which having been in France only 29 days.
He was buried at the cemetery at Etaples which is the largest CWGC cemetery in France holding 11516 casualties. It is located near Boulogne on the former site of a large military hospital complex used by the Allies during the First World War.
The inscription on his headstone reads: “Thy will be done God hath chosen”
Joseph’s monies due amounting to £2.14.4d was allocated to his father but as he died later in 1916 his war gratuity of £4.10.0d. was allocated to his sister, Mrs Edith Jermyn who was now considered his next of kin.
Medals : 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
Joseph Littley is remembered at Spennymoor on S131.02 and S131.11, at Tudhoe Grange on T61.02 and at Tursdale on T62.02
