58750: Joss Family Gathering
In the group, at the back is William Joss (in, I think, Gordon Highlanders) visiting Oxford to congratulate his eldest son, also William, on the right, who had just qualified as a doctor, who then went on to join the RAMC and was awarded the MC in North Africa. On retirement, he became a GP in Nottingham for the rest of his life. The son on the left is Bert, my father, - note second photograph - who was born in 1901 and joined the Scottish Horse in 1916. He was too young and his father got him a discharge, but soon after, Bert joined the Royal Engineers as shown in this uniform in the first photograph. He served in Ypres, where he was buried alive in a trench shelter for four days before being dug out and recovered. Back in the UK he was convalescent, then sent to Middle East where he proudly claimed that he marched into Jerusalem under General Allenby. Back home he went into the postal service. He never claimed his medals. I do so wish he had so that I might treasure them. If of any consequence, I served in the RAF as a Rear Gunner on Lancasters and my son served in both the Army and the Air Force in various parts of the world. I hope all this is clear, and best wishes for the project.
Editor's Comment:
Group photograph: Herbert Joss to left iin the uniform of the ROyal Engineers; William Joss to centre in Uniform of the Gordon Highlanders (including Kilt and Sporran); William Joss to left in greatcoat. Also photograph of Herbert Joss in uniform of the Scottish horse, mounted.
William Joss, Gordon Highlanders.
Sapper 148347 Herbert Joss, Royal Engineers (previsously Scottish Horse, service no. 2391)
Second Lieutenant William Taylor Barron Joss, M.C., Northumberland Fusiliers, Special Reserve (Previously Sergeant, Royal Army Medical Corps, service no. 1426, and Sergeant, Army Service Corps, service no. T4/213207: Transport). His MC citation reads as follows: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when sole remaining officer in the front line company. With a small detachment he fought until surrounded, then cut his way out to the reserve line, where he continued to inspire all ranks by his fighting spirit. (M.C. gazetted 18th October, 1917.). From 'Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July, 1918', 8760.
