Joseph Laycock

Age 31        Married with 3 children

Private 8828
2^nd Bn., Lancashire Fusiliers

Died of wounds on
Monday 6^th September 1915

Joseph was born in Sabden and lived there until he was in his teens when he moved to Padiham with his parents, John & Elizabeth.  After he married, Joseph and his wife moved to 34 Blannel Street, Burnley where they went on to have three children.

At the outbreak of the war, Joseph re-enlisted into the Lancashire Fusiliers having previously served throughout the Boar War.  He was wounded during the Battle of Mons in 1914 and returned home whilst he recovered, going back out to France again in early 1915.

Mrs Laycock received a letter from the Preston Records Office informing her that her husband was in hospital suffering from gunshot wounds to the back and buttocks.  This letter was followed one day later by another from a Mr W Hogarth-Turnbull, 11^th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, France.

“Dear Mrs Laycock, 

You will have heard by now the sad news of the passing away of your husband.  He was such a good, patient man.  It seems that he was wounded slightly in the back, and that a portion of the shrapnel penetrated very deep and perforated the abdomen.  Everything was done for him, and at one time the doctors had good hopes of his recovery, but he gradually sank and passed away very peacefully at 5.40am on Monday morning.  The funeral will take place tomorrow, and I shall send you a photo of the cemetery where so many of our British soldiers are lying.  May God give you strength to bear this heavy burden.  Your husband has laid down his life for his country and has done his service as a hero.  You will be proud of him, though sadly bereaved. 

Assuring you of our sympathy, believe me to be,

Yours faithfully in Christ,

W Hogarth-Turnbull.”

Pte Joseph Laycock is buried at the St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France.

In Sabden he has not been remembered on either the School or Church plaques.