Joseph Croson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of John William and Emma Croson and the brother of Frederick, Thomas, William, Alice and Harry Croson. In 1911 they lived at 21 Seeley Terrace Nottingham Road Somercotes near Alfreton Derbyshire. His address on enlistment was ? Skegby Mansfield Nottinghamshire. He was the 'unmarried husband' (ASR) of Eva Shaw who he named as next of kin. She later lived at 25 Parliament Terrace Parliament Street Nottingham.
Croson enlisted 30/8/1915 and passed the motor learner's test 6/11/1915. He died from pneumonia the result of gas poisoning in Guildford Military Hospital.
No CWGC record. Possessions returned to Croson's family: cigarette case, photo, chauffeur's handbook, button, metal ring and a farthing. This is an interesting case because it is evidence of the Great War state acknowledging 'common law' marriage as a valid relationship. Eva Shaw felt entitled to plead for help: 'I have been depending upon him for six years and I have nothing but the government pay to look forward to and I have been told by J Croson when he enlisted he had made all over to me. I should be very much obliged if you would kindly see into the matter and oblige.' Eva was awarded a pension of 9 shillings per week + 3 shillings and six pence allotment. However Croson's blood relatives were cited as legatees for payments owing to soldiers killed in action (Soldiers' Effects Register). Unusually 19 people received amounts ranging from £1 14 shillings to 8 shillings and 7 pence. Eva Shaw was apparently not recognised during this process.
No Photos