Joseph Hatherley

Joseph Hatherley enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment in June 1916 and after training was posted to 1st battalion in France; On 21st March 1918, the German army launched Operation Michael and Joseph battalion were one of the first to be hit as overwhelming numbers of enemy attacked through the mist on the Somme. At the time of the offensive, one and a half companies of the battalion were about 1,000 yards south of the village of Berthaucourt and were quickly surrounded and passed. They attempted to fight their way out which resulted in most being killed or captured. Another company was in Maissemy defending a trench which was far to long for the number of men defending it. Only 2 officers and 10 other ranks made it back to the reserve lines. Battalion HQ was surrounded and only a few men surviving. Throughout the day desperate fighting took place as the British line was pounded and pushed back. At 11 am Lt. B. Brooks of 'D' company arrived at HQ and informed them that the enemy had broken through. Every man who could hold a rifle was fighting, pioneers, servants, runners and signallers. Despite this the enemy moved in from all sides and few men managed to get out. At some point Joseph was killed, one of some 80 killed that day. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial Somme. John Morse

Pozieres Memorial (Panel 67 and 68) Soldiers Effects - death presumed 21/3/18; 24/7/19 - £4-13s-2d 14/10/19- £9-6s-3d Including War Gratuity of £9-10s; All to widow Mary in memoriam published 22nd March 1920 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HATHERLEY. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. J. Hatherley, 1st North Staffs., late of 7 Sunburn-terrace, killed March 21st, 1918. Fondly remembered. – From loving wife and daughter.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknal 1914-1918