Joseph Edward Wright
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Joseph was the son of Joseph Armstrong Wright and his first wife, Ellen Eliza nee Harris. Joseph Armstrong was born in Lea, Derbyshire, and Ellen in Winchester, Hampshire; they were married in Nottinghamshire (Mansfield registration district) in 1891 (A/M/J). They had at least three children, Joseph Edward b. Alfreton, Rachel Edith (b. Newton Derbyshire) and Nellie (b. Hucknall in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire). In 1901 Joseph, a wholesale fruiterer's carter, and Ellen were living at 6 Perm Street, Hucknall under Huthwaite, with their children, Joseph (7), Rachel (6) and Nellie (3). Both sisters were baptised in Blackwell, Derbyshire; Rachel on 7 April 1895 and Nellie on 1 August 1897. Ellen died in 1902 aged 32 and her youngest daughter, Nellie, died two years later in 1904, aged 6. The same year Joseph married Mary Annie Parnham Mansfield registration district). By 1911 Joseph was working as a coal miner/road repairer and living at 85 Newcastle Street, Huthwaite, with his second wife, Mary Annie, and children Joseph, Rachel and Doris Victoria (6, b. Huthwaite). Doris was Joseph and Mary's daughter, their only child. Joseph Armstrong was named as his son's next of kin and in 1916 when his son was killed he was living at 75 St John's Road, Eastwood. Joseph Armstrong died in 1927 aged 67 and his second wife, Mary Ann, in 1945 aged 83.
Last ship: HMS Broke, destroyer. Joseph joined the Royal Navy on 13 March 1913 on a 12 year engagement (5+7 years). He served in the following ships and shore establishments: Victory II, 13 March 1912-15 May 1912 (Ordinary Seaman); HMS Prince of Wales, 16 May 1912-8 November 1912; HMS Superb, 9 November 1912-1 November 1914 (Able Seaman 11 December 1913); Victory I, 2 November 1914-3 November 1914; HMS Excellent, 4 November 1914-13 March 1915; HMS Blake (Broke), 14 May 1915-8 May 1916; HMS Hecla (Broke), 9 May 1916-31 May 1916. Service record annotated, ‘DD [discharged dead] killed in action on 31 May 1916 NP 3007/16’ Joseph served in HMS Broke (4th Destroyer Flotilla) at the Battle of Jutland where he lost his life. He was buried at sea and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel R: 14).
Inscription on family headstone, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Alfred Parnham who entered into rest Nov. 17th 1899 aged 52 years. At eventide it shall be light. Also Joseph Edward Wright, who was killed in action in the Jutland battle May 31st 1916 aged 23 years. Duty nobly done. Also of Joseph Armstrong Wright who died Nov 29th 1927 aged 67 years. At rest. Also Mary Ann Wright, wife of the above, died June 9th 1945 aged 83 years. Reunited.’ Note: Mary Ann Wright's maiden name was 'Parnham'.
