Joseph Gardner Service Number 7634 Rifleman Royal Irish Rifles 2nd Battalion
Joseph was born in 1887 as the eldest child of Joseph and Margaretta Gardner, 39 Hatton Drive. His siblings are Aaron, William, Florence and Caroline. In the 1911 census Mr Gardner was a baker and Joseph was a shipwright apprentice.
Joseph married Mary Thompson between October and December 1910 in Lisburn. They lived at 33 Glenallen Street, Belfast with their In-laws Mr and Mrs Thomas Thompson.
Before embarking Joseph was a member of the Harkness Memorial Temperance LOL 1003. He was also a member of the UVF, enlisting on 15 September 1904 and his name is recorded on the War Memorial, Woodstock Road, Belfast.
Joseph was killed in action on 16 October 1914 and is buried at Le Touret Memorial Cemetery, Pas De Calais, France.
Joseph’s widow Mary received a War Gratuity of £3.
Joseph’s other brothers Aaron and William enlisted in the army and both were killed in the war. (See individual records) All three sons were killed within 10 months of each other.
Joseph’s name is included on the Presbyterian Roll of Honour.
