Tyne Cot Memorial
Tyne Cot Memorial: Pauline Priano
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Joseph Thompson was born in 1887 at Gateshead, County Durham, Both his parents were deceased and at the time of his enlistment he was living with his youngest brother George Thompson (26) at 18, Grosvenor Street, Gateshead, working as a labourer. Joseph, although unmarried, had a son by the name of James Smith, listed on his military record as having been born, August 1915 at 33, Richmond Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, although there is no mention of the child’s mother’s details.
At the age of 39 years 262 days old he had previously served 6 years as part of the 4th Voluntary Battalion Durham Light Infantry, 4 years with the Royal Garrison Artillery and agreed if necessary to serve as part of the Royal Naval Division. Given his past experience but despite his age and having only been passed fit to serve for labour abroad, the recruiting officer assigned him as Private 31245 to the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion Durham Light Infantry, March 24th 1916 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Stationed at the DLI’s Depot at Fenham the main role of the 3rd Battalion, which had been mobilised on the outbreak of war, was a defensive role as part of the Tyne Garrison at South Shields and Jarrow as well as training recruits for active service and re-training men returned from the Western Front who were recovering from ill-health or wounds. Once his training was complete he departed via Folkestone landing at Boulogne, February 1st 1917, and assigned in the field to the 11th Battalion, attached to the 60th Brigade, 20th (Light) Division, on the Somme the following day in the sector near Guillemont, March 31st he was re-posted to the 13th Battalion, attached to the 23rd Division, serving on the Ypres Salient in Belgium.
They successfully attacked Messines Ridge in June 1917 before being moved to the trenches at Klein Zillebeke, they were again in action during September at the Third Battle of Ypres in the fighting on the Menin Road and where September 22nd 1917 Private Thompson was wounded, exact details unknown. The 13th Battalion also participated at Polygon Wood and at The First and Second Battles of Passchendaele.
Fully recovered and having re-joined his battalion Private 31245 Joseph Thompson Durham Light Infantry was killed in action October 12th 1917, the first day of the First Battle of Passchendaele. His sacrifice is recorded on the Memorial to the Missing which forms the stone wall surrounding Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, near Ypres, Belgium, commemorating those who died after August 15th 1917 on the Ypres salient who have no known grave, panel 128-131. He was 40 years old and single.
His brother George Thompson received all monies due to him from the Army and had been nominated by his brother as administrator. Joseph had made a will prior to his departure for the Western Front which stated, “In the event of my death I give the whole of my money and effects to my brothers Samuel Thompson and George Thompson 28, Grosvenor Street and 18, Grosvenor Street, Gateshead on Tyne, signed Joseph Thompson Pte. 13 D.L.I. 15 April”.
Private Thompson’s personal property consisting of; 1 letter, 2 photos, 2 wallets, discharge certificate, 2 identity disc and a post office savings book were sent to his brother George along with his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal. It would appear from the mention of a discharge certificate that Private Thompson was awaiting details of his repatriation to England at the time of his demise.
Known family of Private Thompson; brother James born 1886, Samuel 1881, George 1890, Mary Patrick nee Thompson born 1892. Nieces and nephews; George Patrick born 1905, James 1907, Mary 1915 and Jane 1918. Aunt Mary McFarlane born 1856.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Joseph Thompson cannot be identified on a Gateshead Memorial.
He is remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 282
