In Y Farm (also known as Bois-Grenier) Military Cemetery, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 27/45 Private Joseph Brennan serving with 27th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers who died 13/02/1916.

The husband of Ellen Brennan, of 9, School Street, Lintz Colliery, Burnopfield, Co. Durham.

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-

Joseph was born at Cornsay, Durham in 1877 to his Irish parents, William and Mary (nee Keely). His father died in 1880 at the early age of 43 years. 1880 was the same year his son, William, was born.

The couple had 10 children together, 6 sons and 4 daughters.

In 1881 the family was living at 141 Chadwick Street, Cornsay. Mary was head of the household. Her son, Michael, worked as a coal miner. As well as the siblings also living at the home was there were 2 Irish relatives Michael, a coal miner, and his daughter, Mary Ann.

For reasons unknown the 1891 census shows the same family now being listed as Brown.

So the listing shows eldest son, Michael, was now head of the family although mother, Mary, was still living. It appears Michael had married at some time as he was shown as a widower. Joseph and his siblings were still at the home.

Joseph married Ellen (nee Graham or Grimes) in 1899 at Sacred Heart RC Church, Byermoor. The couple had 8 children together although sadly 3 died. Their names were Mary, Sarah Ann, William, Kathleen, Joseph, James, Daniel and Hessie (born and died 1915).

According to 1911 census the family lived at 9 School Street Burnopfield.

Meanwhile mother, Mary Brennan, who was born at Queens County, Ireland aged 71 years was living alone at 25 Framwellgate, Durham in a 1 roomed accommodation. She was receiving parish relief.

NB This information has been obtained via a family research link through Ancestry and has not been verified.

Joseph joined a Pals battalion namely 27th (4th Tyneside Irish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers at Newcastle.

He was killed in action on February 13th 1916.

His widow Ellen received a pension of 29 shillings per week as from September 4th 1916 plus back pay owing of £6 13s 9d. Later she was awarded a war gratuity of £4 0s 0d. The pension was for herself and 6 children.

She added the following inscription to his headstone:- On Whose Soul Sweet Jesus Have Mercy

His son James was killed in WW2

Joseph Brennan is remembered at Burnopfield on B155.01 and B155.05 and at Byermoor on B158.01.