Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Joseph was born in Wigan in 1880 to parents Joseph, a colliery labourer, and Bridget Garlin.

Joseph had served with the Lancashire Fusiliers prior to World War One, signing up at Bury on 6 October 1899 at the age of 19.   He served in South Africa, Malta, Gibraltar and Egypt and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal.  He was discharged as medically unfit in October 1907, with his conduct described as indifferent and addicted to drink.

In 1901, his family were living at 28 John Street, Wigan; Joseph (senior) (54), Bridget (53) and siblings John (29), colliery labourer and Annie (24) and Mary (22), both cotton spinners.  Joseph was not listed as he was serving in the army.  In 1911, Joseph, aged 30 is listed as an inmate of the Wigan Workhouse Infirmary at Billinge Higher End, Wigan. A general labourer who had been admitted for treatment from 8 March 1911 to 11 April 1911.

Joseph joined the South Lancashire Regiment at Wigan on 5 August 1915 at the age of 35 years.  He gave his address as 32 John’s Street, Wigan.  He was 5’4” tall, with a 38” chest, fresh complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair.  In November 1915, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, but, at his own request, reverted to Private in January 1916.  He transferred to the Garrison Battalion, Manchester Regiment in February 1916.  In early 1916, he was diagnosed with chronic rheumatism, aggravated by war service, in his left knee and ankle making walking difficult and painful.  In June 1916, he was transferred to the Royal Defence Corps, No 6 Observer Company where he carried out training and observation duties.

Joseph passed through Peterborough East Station on 1 August 1917, he was travelling with Sergeant J Shea and Private J Lewis who signed themselves “We are three of the RDC.”

Joseph did not serve overseas and was transferred to Reserves on 20 February 1919.  He was awarded a pension of 5/6 per week for 52 weeks from 21 February 1919.  His pension record states that his last job before joining up was a fish hawker on his own account, although his attestation states colliery labourer.

Joseph married Ellen Musson in 1917 at Spalding, Lincolnshire and they lived at 63 Double Street, Spalding.  Joseph died in 1940, at the age of 60 in Littleborough, Lancashire.

We have been unable to find Joseph and Ellen in the 1939 Register and no children have been traced.

Garlin is an uncommon  family name; is it your family name?  Could you be related to Joseph?  Please get in touch if you can tell us more.