Description
1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medal, 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Grace, 15th Battalion Cheshire Regiment,
Killed in Action on 19th August 1917 in France during the dawn “Attack on the Knoll” near Lempire, the battle raged on for almost a week, 2nd Lt Grace being the only Officer Killed along with 23 Other Ranks, also with Capt G.E. Shultz who died of his wounds, 1 Officer and 96 other ranks being wounded.
1914-15 Star officially impressed: “7972 Sjt J. Grace Ches: R”
WW1 Pair officially impressed: “2. Lieut. J. Grace.”
Confirmed on medal rolls etc, with very detailed digital set of Officer’s service records about 86 pages.
Wounded in Action by Gunshot Wound to the left buttock and right thigh on 27th September 1915.
“At Burbue, Battalion took part in attack on the German Line – Captured 300-400 prisoners, casualties were 11 officers and 223 other ranks.”
2nd Lieut Joseph Grace, served in the 2nd, 9th and 15th Battalions of the Cheshire Regiment.
Beginning as a private aged 18 in 1905, he rose up the ranks to become Sergeant Major, not without a few slip ups and reprimands along the way.
Joseph Grace, was born in Liverpool, Lancaster. Son of George and Elizabeth and numerous brothers, George, Peter, Thomas and Robert.
First enlisted as a Private on 17th August 1905, aged 18 and 4 months.
He was appointed Lance Corporal on 22nd June 1906, but reverted back later on 30th Dec 1907. He was once again made Lance Corporal on 9th March 1910, followed by Corporal on 19th January 1913. Then Lance Sergeant on 12th Oct 1914 and Sergeant on 10th November 1914.
During his active service he rose to the appointment of Acting Company Sergeant Major on 18th March 1916.
On 1st February 1917 he was granted a permanent commission as 2nd Lieut in the Cheshire Regiment, and posted for service in France with the 15th Bn Cheshires.
His application to become an officer notes: “A very smart and competent Warrant Officer with initiative and power command. His work with the battalion has been excellent and he is much respected by all ranks.”
His overseas service:
Home, 17th August 1905 – 21st January 1908
India, 22nd Jan 1908 – 18th Nov 1914
British (Voyage to France), 19th No 1914 – 23rd Dec 1914 (2nd Battalion)
Home, 24th Dec 1914 – 15th Jan 1915
France, 16th Jan 1915 – 25th Feb 1915
Home, 26th Feb 1915 – 18th July 1915 (Having been invalided home on a Hospital Ship on 25th Feb for Frost Bite)
France, 19th July 1915 – 27th September 1915, (when wounded in action on 27th Sept 1915, with 9th Battalion)
Invalided home on Hospital Ship Cambria at Boulougne on 27th Sept 1915.
Returned to France on 15th January 1916.
Joseph was an officer of the 15th Bn (1st Birkenhead) Cheshire Regiment, a somewhat unusual battalion being a “Bantam Battalion” who accepted soldiers even under the normal regulations such as a minimum height of 5 foot 3 inches.
