Joseph Victor Piggott
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Francis Henry Piggott was born in Peterborough and his wife Sarah Annette Piggott (nee Deacon ) was born in Uffington, Berkshire and were married in 1880, they must have moved to Retford soon after as all their children were born in Clarborough beginning with Francis Harry who was born in 1881 . They went on to have seven further children including, Reginald -Albert- Annette - Marjorie - Elsie - Shirley and Joseph Victor born 15th February 1893. Francis worked on the railways and was a railway telegraph storekeeper while Sarah was a school mistress working in an elementary school for the borough council. The family lived at 46 Grove Lane, Retford and were living there in the 1911 census when only Joseph Victor who by this time was 18 years of age and an apprentice engineer and his elder sister Elsie were living with their parents at the address. It would appear that Joseph left Retford in 1913 and went to live in Cobbadah, New South Wales, Australia, and started to work there as a school teacher. Following the outbreak of War Joseph joined up and saw active service in Egypt, Syria and France; and while in the latter theatre was gassed three times when the war ended and he was repatriated to Australia on 5th January 1919. On 18th July 1919 following a medical he was confirmed for discharged and was discharged on 31st August 1919. Following his discharge from the army he returned to England on the ship SS Beltana ( a P and O ship ) which arrived from Sydney at Tilbury, London, on 20th October 1919 , he is listed on the passenger list as Joseph Victor Piggott 26 yrs a school teacher previously with the Army. He returned to live with his parents who looked after him until he died at home at 46 Grove Lane on 25th October 1919 he died aged 26 years of age. His probate record shows him as Joseph Victor Piggott of Groveleigh, 46 Grove Lane Retford , died on 25th October 1919 , probate was administered with a will at London on 23rd July 1920 and his effects of £191. 8s . 5d were awarded to his father, Francis Harry Piggott, a railway clerk.
Following his emigration to Australia and the outbreak of the 'Great war' Joseph at first enlisted on 10th November 1915 giving his occupation as school teacher and an address of 'Carisbrook' Cobbadah New South Wales and his next of kin as his father Harry Piggott of 46 Grove Lane, Retford. He joined the 1st Light Horse and with them he embarked from Sidney on 21st March 1916 on the ship HMAT Armdale bound for the Western front. He later transferred to the 2nd Australian Field Artillery Brigade serving with the 102 Howitzer battery and was finally transferred to the postal section before his discharged in 1919 . He was later awarded the Belgium award the 'Croix de Guerre ' and was eventually repatriated to Australia 5th January 1919. He returned to his home at 46 Grove lane where he died aged 26 years of age.
Joseph Victor Piggott Retford Times 7 Nov 1919 Gunner Joseph Victor Piggott, an Australian soldier, a native of Retford, passed away at the home of his parents, 46 Grove Lane on Saturday afternoon at the early age of 26. During the war he saw much active service in Egypt, Syria and France; and while in the latter theatre was gassed three times. It is assumed that these attacks bought on the trouble which caused his death. In the early part of this year he embarked for Australia for demobilisation. His return voyage was made on the “Beltana” which only arrived in Tilbury Docks on the 20th inst. Apparently deceased buoyed himself up which his determination to reach home. Although weak and ill he managed to get about a little until Thursday, when he rapidly grew worse, and in spite of careful nursing he succumbed. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon at the new cemetery, Retford and numerous relatives and friends sent beautiful floral tributes of love and esteem. As a result of bravery and good work, he had been mentioned in despatches seven times and was decorated with the Croix de Guerre by HM the King of the Belgians. Wreaths were sent by the following; Father and mother, Reg and Harry, Edward and Kathleen, Nettie and Fred, Madge and George, Elsie and Shirley, Uncle Will and cousin Gwen, Edith Hatch (his fiancée), Mr and Mrs Lidster, Mrs George Wright, Mrs Hardman, Percy and Minnie, Mr Darwin and family, Mr and Mrs Robinson and family, Mrs Hindley and family. He is buried in Retford new cemetery grave no 83 section B A He does not appear on the CWGC
