Pte 4623 Joseph Holderness – 1st & 2nd Bn

[Tim Bell]

Pte 4623 Joseph Holderness – 1st & 2nd Bn
Joseph Holderness had been a labourer when he enlisted in 4th Bn on 8 September 1914.  He embarked for France to join 1st Bn on 30 June 1915. Following sickness Joseph returned to 1st Bn and he was sick again prior to his transfer to 2nd Bn om 11 December 1915. Joseph was transferred to the Labour Corps '403646' on 8 October 1917.  His final unit appears to be 859 Area Employment Coy, prior to embarked for dispersal in England.  He a medical at Boulogne where joseph claimed no disability due to service. Joseph was posted to Demobilisation Furlough at Prees Heath for the period 13 March – 10 April 1919.
Joseph died at home from influenza and pneumonia on 21 March 1919, aged 33.  As he was on furlough (also see note on WFA Card) Joseph was still serving and is entitled to commemoration.  Burial at Oldham (Greenacres) Cemetery RC D2.124. The husband of Clara Holderness of 57 Whitely Street, Oldham.  The couple had four living children. The son of John Holderness of 25 Portland Street, Oldham.
Star Roll
BWM/VM
MIC
Effects 1
Effects 2
Birth
1891
1901
1911
Marriage

DC ordered
It's salient to note that the Star Roll notes Joseph was transferred to Class Z Reserve on 10/04/1917.  I previously learned that Class Z didn't always mean fully fit, but I've never seen a case where a dead man was Class Z.  It shows that remarks on Medal Rolls need to be treated with caution.

[Tim Bell]

Joseph Holderness died at home from pneumonia & influenza. His wife was present. A cotton waste warehouseman. Case to be submitted to IFCP.

[PaulC]

Photo of headstone now on Find-a-Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215956720/joseph-holderness

[Tim Bell]

Joseph Holderness was accepted for commemoration by CWGC today. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/75472783/joseph-holderness/