Joseph William's Story.
Birkenhead News 08 June 1918
DEATH OF Q.M.S. J.W. McFARLAND
The death occurred of Quartermaster Sergeant Joseph Wm. McFarland, on Friday, May 29th, at his residence, 44, Olive Mount, Higher Tranmere, at the age of 49 years. The deceased had formerly been Depot Quartermaster Sergeant with the 23rd Battalion Rifle Brigade, and had seen service in India, only receiving his discharge some 15 months ago. It is worth recording that the deceased has five sons at present serving, viz. – Captain Jos. McFarland, of the Australian Imperial Forces; Staff Captain Arthur McFarland, attached to the Ministry of Fishing, 3rd Cheshire Regt.; Corporal Percy McFarland, 4th Cheshire Regt., Palestine; Lieut. Harold McFarland (Royal Marine Light Infantry); Mr. Hubert Geo. McFarland, on War Service, since 1914. The funeral took place at Bebington Cemetery, on Saturday last, with full military honours, the Rev. Percival Harrison, Pastor of Brunswick Church officiating.
A contingent of the 3rd Border Regiment, attended under Sergt. Garwood. Six Sergeants acting as Bearers namely :- Sergts. Hollingworth, Weston, Roberts, Baker, Sewell and Gibson.
After the committal service had been read, three volleys were fired over the grave, and the “Last Post” was impressively sounded by Drummer Cheeney.