Joseph (Joe) Simpson was born in Burslem sometime between April and October 1894 to Joseph and Annie Simpson. Both Joseph Snr. and Annie were born in Burslem and they had twelve children, one of whom did not survive childhood.

According to the 1901 Census, the family were living at 29 Nicholas Street, Burslem and Joseph Snr. was working as a Potters Earthenware Presser. Joseph Snr. died sometime between April and June 1906 and by 1908 the family had moved to 16 Lyndhurst Road, Burslem. The family had moved again by 1911 and were living at 36 Wood Street, Burslem and Joseph was working as a Tile Maker.

Joseph arrived in France on 6th October 1915. He served as Private Joseph Simpson, 1638, 20th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) and was killed in action on 7th November 1915.

Joseph Simpson was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal. He has no known grave and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial.

Link to his CWGC commemoration.

Joseph Simpson’s Memorial at the Thiepval Memorial ¹