Joseph's Story.
St. Marys Weaverham “Roll of Honour” records five Shallcross lad’s, A. Shallcross, W. Shallcross, J.T. Shallcross, J. Shallcross and S. Shallcross. The “Fallen Memorial names J. (Joseph) Shallcross Pte., and A. (Arthur) Shallcross Mercantile Marine.
Joseph was from Weaverham, he was with the 10th Bn. Cheshire Reg’t. No 15151. He was 20yr 6m when he signed up which was on 5th Sept. 1914 in Northwich. Joseph was 5ft 4in tall, his weight was 122lb and his girth was 35in. Joseph had a fresh complexion with blue eyes and brown hair, his development was recorded as “good”. Joseph went out with the Exp. Force to France on the 26th Sept. 1915, he was killed in action on the 21st May 1916.
Northwich Guardian 1916, 2nd June (P5/C4); KILLED BY A BOMB A LOCAL ATHLETE
How Private Joseph Shawcross, son of Mr. and Mrs Shallcross, of Copyhold, Weaverham, lost his life, is described in a letter from his platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Gasden, as follows:- “Dear Mrs Shallcross, - I very much regret to have to tell you of the death of your son on the night of the 19th by a bomb during a bombing attack on our trenches. I have been his platoon commander for four months and knew him as a hard worker and one to be trusted in an emergency. I can only hope the fact of your son having died bravely in the service of his country may be some consolation to you in your great grief.” Sergeant, Henry Pickering of the deceased’s platoon in a letter to Mr. and Mrs Shallcross, states:- “I am very sorry to have to write you ill news concerning your son Joe, who was killed in action about 9:30 last Friday night the 19th. A bomb fell right against his feet and although we didn’t think he was mortally wounded, he died on the way to the dressing station. I have been in "A" Company along with your son ever since the battalion was formed and for twelve months I have been in his platoon. He was a splendid fellow and anything which he did was done thoroughly. He was a very popular lad in the company and every one was very pleased when a couple months ago when he won the first prize in the mile race at the battalion sports. He will be very much missed. I know that what I say will not replace your great loss but he died a soldiers death, fighting and doing his duty.”
LETTER FROM A COMRADE.
A chum of the deceased, Private Jack Shaw, has written stating that he feels the death of “Joe” very much indeed, as they were great friends in civil life, adding that he was buried in a cemetery just behind the firing line.
Private Shallcross was 22 years of age and at the time he enlisted in September, 1914. He was in the employment of Mrs Townshend of Gorstage Hall and prior to that worked for the late Mr. Ellis of Gorstage. His father is an employee of Brunner Mond and Co. He was a rather smart athlete and won several prizes in local races, including one at a sports held under the auspices of the Northwich Football club a few years ago. He belonged to the Wesleyan Church and Sunday School. (There is a Joseph and Fred Shaw on St. Mary’s R.o.H.)
C.W.G.C. remember Joseph at ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI, France.He died on Sunday 21st May 1916 aged 22. He was with the 10th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, No 15151. Son of Mr. and Mrs J. Shallcross of Weaverham, Cheshire.
There is an addressed form for a Mrs Kitty Shallcross of 6 Northwich Road, Weaverham, personal belongings of Joseph to be sent to Kitty. Included in the service documents is letter, dated 7th Jan. 1920 regarding the issues of Memorial Scroll and the later issue of the Memorial Plaque. There was a letter in the files signed by Alice Shallcross acknowledging receipt of the British, Victory and 15 Star Medals on behalf of the family on the 10th Dec. 1921.
N.A.M.C. - record Joseph with the Cheshire Reg’t. No 15151 (Pte.) Theatre of War, France and Date of Entry, 26th Sept. 1915. Awarded the British, Victory and 15 Star medals. The card has the note K.I.A. 21/5/16.
The 1911 census for the Shallcross family has them living at Copy Hold;
Joseph Head, age 45, Chemical Labourer, Weaverham
Kate Wife, age 43, Winsford
Samuel Son, age 21, Cowman on Farm, W/ham
Joseph Son, age 17, Cowman on Farm, W/ham
William Son, age 12, W/ham
Alice Daughter, age 9, W/ham
Florence Daughter, age 8, W/ham
Fred Son. age 5, W/ham
Joseph’s brothers, Samuel and William, had also enlisted
Research Bob Heaton
Research Bob Heaton