Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Joseph Burkinshaw was born on 18 December 1894 in Scissett, Yorkshire.  He was the eldest child of Joseph and Ann (nee Rowley).  In 1911, Joseph (16), a butcher’s assistant, was living at Market Place, Scissett with this parents and siblings, Harry (16) a mine worker, Louisa (12), Willie (9) and Lewis (5).

Joseph attested on 9 December 1915, and joined the Royal Artillery (No 1 Depot Royal Field Artillery).  He was aged 20 years and 352 days and was of slight build, being only 5’3”.  He gave his address as Crown Terrace, Scissett, near Huddersfield.

Joseph was mobilised on 29 December 1915, and served with the 38th Reserve Battalion.  He passed through Peterborough East Station on 27 July 1916, whilst stationed at Cavalry Barracks, Norwich.  He embarked for Salonika on 7 September 1916, where he stayed for nearly three years.  He was wounded on 7 September 1918, hospitalised and was sent to a convalescent camp in Salonika a month later for an unspecified period.  He departed Salonika on 30 April 1919, arriving back in England on 13 May 1919 and transferred to Army Class Z on 13 June 1919.  He was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

Joseph married Ethel Dalton at St Augustine Church, Scissett on May 7 1927, his occupation was given as a dyers labourer.  They had one child, Brian born in 1930.  In 1939 Joseph, Ethel and Brian were living at Commercial Road, Denby Dale, Yorkshire.

Joseph died in the Huddersfield district in the December quarter of 1977, aged 83 years.

With grateful thanks to: “The Leslie Robinson Collection” Denby Dale Parish Council, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield for the photograph.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Joseph and his family.