Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Joseph Colgrave was born in Eccleshall, Sheffield on 1 Dec 1881, the son of Thomas and Sarah Colgrave. He had 7 brothers and sisters. He enlisted at Beverley in 1898 with the East Yorkshire Regiment but was transferred to the 5th Irish Lancers (5L7335 and L 12732) in January 1899. He served as a regular soldier rising to the rank of corporal and was involved in campaigns in South Africa and India. He married Nellie Pinder of Beverley on 30 Sep 1908 at Beverley Minster when he is described as valet. In 1911 they were living at 5 Norton Street, Beverley with their 2 year old son Thomas, their daughter Gladys was born in Cottingham in 1911. At the begining of the war he was serving as a valet for Mr Hodgson of Cottingham. As a reservist he was immediately called up as a private with the 5th Royal Irish Lancers
The 5th Royal Irish Lancers moved to France on 6 Sep 1914 and remained in France throughout the hostilities, taking part in the major offensives. Joseph was mentioned in despatches and received the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 30 Oct 1914 when he was seen to 'show great presence of mind in rallying several troops of Indian soldiers who had lost their officers'. At the end of 1918 the Division was selected to advance into Germany as a screen for the fourth army. The Division ceased to exist at midnight on 31 Mar 1919. Joseph Colgrave was discharged on 22 May 1919 and made his home in Cottingham.
In 1939 the family were living in Orpington , Kent. Joseph's occupation was as a butler.
Joseph died in 1953
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |