Joseph Leivers
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Joseph was born at Arnold in 1894, the son of Joseph a hand frame work knitter and Susannah Leivers of 10 Hardstaff Road, Arnold, Nottingham (it is possible that the word Road has been used instead of Yard by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in their records). His father Joseph was born in 1852 in Arnold and his mother Susannah Corah was born in 1881 also in Arnold, they were married in 1881 their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration district, they had 4 children sadly 1 died in infancy , their surviving children were all born in Arnold and were Thomas b1882, Mabel b1891 and Joseph b1894 . He was raised in Arnold and was educated at the British School and was also a member of the Baptist Church.In the 1911 census the family are living at 1 Gedling Road,Arnold, they are shown as Joseph 59 yrs a lace machinist , he is living with his wife Susannah 51 yrs and their children Mabel 19 yrs a blouse maker and Joseph 17 years a lace machinist by trade .
He enlisted into the army at Arnold and was posted to the Royal Scots, joining their 13th Battalion. It was on the 9th April 1917, that the German General, Erich Ludendorff, opened the second of a series of attacks on the Western Front. This one, ‘Operation Georgette’ was on a narrow front aimed towards the Channel Ports which were so important to the British, for it was through these that they received all their reinforcements and supplies. Following a three day artillery barrage the Germans launched their attack which forced the British back some 5 miles. It was during this initial attack that Joseph was killed in action. He is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez,France
In memoriam published 9th April 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “LEIVERS. – In loving memory of our dear son, brother, Joseph Royal Scots, killed in action April 9th, 1917. What peaceful hours we have enjoyed, how sweet their memory still, but they have left an aching void, that never can be filled. A sacrifice too great. – From his sorrowing mother and father, Mabel and Percy, and all at home. “LEIVERS. – In loving memory of Pte. Joseph Leivers, killed in action April 9th, 1917. Fondly remembered. – Lucy.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
