Joseph's Story.
Birkenhead News 28 February 1918
MM HERO KILLED
Every sympathy has been conveyed to Mrs. Povall, who resides with her mother at 99, Peel Street, Lower Tranmere, in the death from wounds of her husband, Pte. Joseph Povall, of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, which occurred at No. 1 South Africa General Hospital, France, on Dec. 4th. He was wounded on Nov. 20th in the chest during an attack on the German trenches. A letter received from his officer states :- “In the morning of Nov. 20th we made an attack on the Hun line, and whilst we were following the Tanks, at about 8 a.m. your husband was shot by a sniper. The whole of the officers, N.C.O.’s and men of C Company wish me to convey to you their heartfelt sympathy.”
It was only on Oct 31st last that the “News” published the fact that this brave soldier had been awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct on the field of battle by holding on to a trench whilst an attack was being made by the enemy and after all the officers in his unit became casualties. He was awarded this medal six months to the day of his joining the colours. Pte. Povall who was exceedingly popular in the town, was 27 years of age, and had been employed on the railway since he was 13 years old, at the goods siding, Shore Road. He was also a member of the Shore Road Silver Prize Band. Many touching letters have been sent to the widow, who is left with a baby 14 months old.