On the Portsmouth Naval Memorial is the name of P/SSX 31782 Ordinary Telegraphist Joseph Ward, serving on H.M.S. Hood  with the Royal Navy, who died 24/05/1941.

The son of Thomas Ward, and of Margaret Ann Ward, of Seaton Delaval, Northumberland.

David John Anderson, nephew, has submitted the following:

Joseph [Joe] Ward was born in New Hartley on the 26th February 1922, the son of 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.

His elder brother Stanley was also in 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, at Seghill on S11.03 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.