Joseph's Story.
Joseph Rustage was born at Ninehouses, Anderton, Northwich in 1892. By 1914 the family had moved to 30 Beeston Street, Castle, Northwich. Joseph worked at Brunner Mond’s Winnington Works prior to and after he enlisted. He enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment at the Darwin Street, Drill Hall, Castle, Northwich with his younger Brother Charles Henry Rustage, in September 1914. His brother joined the 5th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. After Joseph’s death his parents Mary and George Rustage relocated to 28 Slade Street, Northwich for a fresh start away from old memories.
Joseph joined the 8th Battalion Cheshire Regiment as a private and after training, embarked from Avonmouth, on 26th June 1915 aboard H.M.T. Ivernia bound for Gallipoli, under the command of Lt.Col. C.H.D.Willoughby. On 16th July 1915 they landed at “V” Beach at Helles and during the Battle of Sari Bair, 6th to 10th August 1915, as part of 13th Division, they held the line during the attack of the Light Horse Brigades of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
During his service in the Dardanelles Joseph was badly wounded by artillery fire and was evacuated back to England and spent 6 months on sick furlough at home. Shortly after Christmas 1915 he reported to Regimental Head Quarters at Chester for Duty. He was sent as a replacement to the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment, which were serving on the Somme as the 15th Brigade part of 5th Division as Private 10713.
Joseph was killed when 3 parties were attacking the crossroads at Longueval, near to Delville Wood. He was one of a party of men lead by Second Lieutenant Prout or Duckworth. They were caught in long range crossfire from 2 machine guns and then swept by an intense artillery bombardment. No trace of any of the men or the two officers was ever found. His brother Charles was serving nearby and searched for his brother, he later wrote to his parents stating he was exceedingly sorry to have to convey the news that Joseph was dead. He never saw his brother in Khaki.
Researched by Don Rustage.