Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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Updates for 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Marsh
Date Information
15/08/2021 Joseph Marsh was the third son of Samuel James and Annie Marsh (nee Marsh).
15/08/2021 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial.
15/08/2021 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 10 on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval, France
15/08/2021
15/08/2021
15/08/2021 Joseph Marsh was on born 15th January 1892. He was one of eight children, all born in the Newmills area.
15/08/2021 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh is also commemorated on Newmills LOL 183 Roll of Honour and on the WWI Roll of Honour in Newmills Parish Church.
30/01/2019
30/01/2019 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd June 1918: The Late Lieutenant Marsh, Newmills
30/01/2019 A neat mural tablet has been erected in Newmills Parish Church, County Tyrone in memory of the late Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, who was killed in France on 23rd November 1917. The tablet is a pediment design on white marble and consists of a base supported by two corbels. On top of the base rests the tablet proper which is oblong shape and having a scrolled truss or bracket worked on each side and a moulded cornice resting on top, which bears the pediment in three positions. On the centre portion is boldly engraved the regimental badge of the Royal Irish Rifles, all being fastened on a bracket of Irish black marble. The inscription reads:-
30/01/2019 ‘In Loving Memory of Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who was killed while leading his men at the Battle of Cambrai, France, 23rd November 1917. Blessed are the departed who in the Lord are sleeping. They rest from their labours and their works do follow them. Erected by his sorrowing wife, mother and father.’
21/01/2019
21/01/2019 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th June 1918: Stewartstown Notes
21/01/2019 A tablet in memory of Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Regiment, a native of Roughan, who fell at Cambrai, has been erected in Newmills Parish Church.
14/10/2018 A social was held in Newmills Orange Hall on Friday evening, in connection with the departure of Corporal Joseph Marsh, 13th (County Down) Royal Irish Rifles, a useful member of L.O.L. No. 183, Newmills, who is proceeding to England, preparatory to going to the front. After tea had been served, the chair was taken by Mr George Wright, Newmills, and dancing was indulged in, the music being supplied by Mr William Stewart. Mr Samuel Stewart acted as M.C. A musical programme was contributed at intervals by Miss Daisy McKnight, Miss L Irwin, Miss Burns, Messrs John Taylor, William Simpson, Alexander Roy, John Spratt, Victor McKnight, H A Beatty and the chairman. The chairman referred to the departure of Corporal Marsh from amongst them. Like many others of the young men of the district, he had volunteered in defence of his King and country, and they wished him all sorts of good luck and a safe return (applause). Corporal Marsh briefly replied and thanked them for their many kindnesses. He was proud to know that their village had gained the distinction of a Victoria Cross, and hoped and believed that their historic district would gain many more (loud applause). The enjoyable proceedings concluded at a late hour with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.
14/10/2018
14/10/2018 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19th June 1915: Newmills Soldier Feted
18/09/2017
18/09/2017 From the Tyrone Courier dated 3rd February 1916: Coalisland Comforts
18/09/2017 Mrs H Wilson, Roan House, Coalisland, has lately received grateful letter of thanks from the following local men at the front to Miss Adams and helpers of Coalisland Jumble Sale, for parcels of comforts received:- Private Hugh O’Neill, Corporal James Crooks, Driver P Gartland, Private Robert Campbell, Private J P Daly, R Patterson (prisoner), Private James Stewart, Sergeant J Marsh, Private S Proctor, Bombardier W Rougvie, Royal Field Artillery, Gunner W Brockwell, Royal Field Artillery, and others.
02/04/2017
02/04/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 11th June 1918: Memorial to Tyrone Officer
02/04/2017 A mural tablet has been erected in Newmills Parish Church, County Tyrone, in memory of Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles, a native of Roughan, Newmills, who was killed at the Battle of Cambrai on 23rd November last while leading his men.
20/03/2017
20/03/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 25th December 1917: The Late Lieutenant J Marsh
20/03/2017 Mrs L Marsh, of Ballynahinch, whose husband, Second Lieutenant J Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles, was killed a few weeks ago, has received the following letter from Rev G Wilson:-
20/03/2017 ‘As chaplain to your husband’s battalion, I express my sincere sympathy with you in your terrible loss. I had known Lieutenant Marsh for only two months, but I took to him immediately. He was one of those magnificent fellows whom to know was to like. He died as he had lived – a gentleman and an officer. From all sides I have heard expressions of sorrow at his death. Indeed his place will be hard to fill, he was so full of cheerfulness and good humour, and he made friends wherever he went. His death came about in the following manner:- We were held up by machine gun fire, and it became an absolute necessity to charge the enemy. Lieutenant Marsh jumped from the trench at the head of his men, and dashed onward in the most gallant style. Unfortunately a bullet struck him in the head and killed him instantly. The parting is only for a little while, and then you will be united never to be separated again. In the meantime you can cherish the memory of one counted honour better than life, and who did not flinch when he heard the call of duty. I can in all truthfulness say that I think he was the bravest man I have met since I came to France.’
15/03/2017
15/03/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 30th November 1917: Late Lieutenant Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles
15/03/2017 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action on 23rd November, was a son of Mr Samuel Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland, and was married to a daughter of Mr Charles Lamont, Ballynahinch. Before joining the army three years ago, he was employed at Drumaness Mills, Ballynahinch. He obtained his commission from the ranks, and returned to the front last July.
15/03/2017
15/03/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 29th November 1917:
15/03/2017 At a meeting of the Newmills branch of the East Tyrone Unionist Association held on Wednesday evening (Mr Joseph Elliott, Whitetown, presiding), a resolution was adopted tendering the deep sympathy of the members to Mr Samuel Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland, on the death in action of his younger son, Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles, who had obtained a commission from the ranks.
07/02/2017 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh is commemorated on the Ballynahinch War Memorial.
07/02/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 23rd June 1917:
07/02/2017 Joseph was employed by Messrs. Hurst’s Ltd, Drumaness Mills, Ballynahinch, County Down, at the outbreak of the war, and enlisted in the 13th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles in September 1914.
07/02/2017 Mr Joseph Marsh, who has been granted a commission in the Royal Irish Rifles, is the second son of Mr Samuel Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland. He was employed by Messrs. Hurst’s Ltd., Drumaness Mills, Ballynahinch, County Down, at the outbreak of the war, and volunteered in one of the County Down battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles. He served abroad, and attained the rank of company Sergeant Major. He was wounded during the operations last summer.
07/02/2017 He was a prominent member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (U.V.F.) and he was connected with Newmills and Drumaness Companies.
07/02/2017
07/02/2017
30/01/2017 An Ulster Division Certificate for gallantry and devotion to duty has been awarded to Sergeant Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles,. He is a son of Mr Samuel J Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland, and on the outbreak of war he volunteered from Drumaness, County Down, and attained the rank of sergeant. He sustained injuries at the Somme on 1st July last when every man in his platoon was either killed or wounded. Subsequently he was offered a commission, and is now a member of the cadets’ training corps at Oxford.
30/01/2017
30/01/2017 From the Belfast Newsletter dated 25th May 1917: Rewards for Gallantry
30/12/2015 There is a marble memorial to Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh in Holy Trinity Parish, Church of Ireland, Tullyniskane, Newmills, Dungannon. It reads:
30/12/2015 Joseph served his apprenticeship with the Roan Spinning Company
30/12/2015 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, of the Royal Irish Rifles, who was killed in action in France on the 23rd November 1917, was the third son of Mr Samuel Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland. This young soldier, who was only 25 years of age, enlisted in the 13th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles in September 1914, and on obtaining his commission in May last, was posted to the 15th Battalion. He took part in the fighting of 1st July 1916, and was subsequently awarded a certificate for gallantry displayed on that occasion, in organising a party and bombing a German communication trench. The deceased officer served his apprenticeship with the Roan Spinning Company and was a member of Scot Memorial Masonic Lodge No. 300 and also R.B.P. No 231 and Newmills L.O.L. No 183. A prominent member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (U.V.F.), he was connected with Newmills and Drumaness Companies. In January last he was married to Miss Lamont, daughter of Mr Charles Lamont, Ballynahinch, County Down, and to the young widow and other members of the family, the greatest sympathy is extended in their bereavement, At a meeting of the Newmills Branch of the East Tyrone Unionist Association held on Wednesday evening (Mr Joseph Elliot, Rural District Council (R.D.C) presiding), a resolution was adopted tendering the deep sympathy of the members of the sorrowing family.
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 From the Tyrone Courier and News dated Thursday 5 December 1917:
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 Joseph Marsh was a member of Scot Memorial Masonic Lodge No. 300 and also R.B.P. No 231 and Newmills L.O.L. No 183.
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 From the Tyrone Courier and News dated Thursday 13 December 1917: Coalisland Fallen Soldiers
30/12/2015 Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh was serving with the 15th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action while leading his men at the Battle of Cambrai on 23rd November 1917, age 25.
30/12/2015 The 1911 census shows Joseph to be 19 years old. He too was now a spinning mill mechanic, like his father. The family still lived in Roughan, Tullyniskane, Tyrone.
30/12/2015 Family: Samuel James Marsh, Annie Marsh, Mary Jane Marsh (born about 1881), Samuel James Marsh (born about 1882), Maggie Marsh (born about 1884), William John Marsh (born about 1887), Annie Marsh (born about 1890), Joseph Marsh (born about 1892), Thomas Marsh (born about 1894), Robert Henry Marsh (born about 1900).
30/12/2015 'In Loving Memory of Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh, 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who was killed while leading his men at the Battle of Cambrai, France, 23rd November 1917. Blessed are the departed who in the Lord are sleeping; they rest from their labours and their works do follow them. Erected by his sorrowing wife, mother and father.'
30/12/2015 The 1901 census records Joseph as 9 years old. The family lived in Roughan, Tullyniskane, Tyrone. His father was a mechanic at the mill.
30/12/2015 Private Marsh took part in the fighting of 1st July 1916, and was subsequently awarded a certificate for gallantry displayed on that occasion, in organising a party and bombing a German communication trench.
30/12/2015 Private Marsh obtained his commission in May 1917, was posted to the 15th Battalion.
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 At the monthly meeting of Coalisland L.O.L. No 93 held on Friday evening, Brother Thomas Neill, Worshipful Master presiding and Brother Thomas Holmes; Deputy Master in the vice-chair, the W.M. referred in feeling terms to the loss of more of their members who had fallen in action, namely 2nd Lieut. Joseph Marsh, Royal Irish Rifles, and Private William McMinn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who ha both been killed on the same day. Seven members of that Lodge had now fallen in this cruel war, fighting for King and Country. Brothers Robert J Cardwell and Robert A Montgomery had also been wounded, each for the fourth time so that their lodge's record would be a glorious one. He proposed that the utmost sympathy on the members be conveyed to the parents of both Marsh and McMinn and the Secretary was directed to forward suitable letters of condolence. The lodge was then closed in the usual manner.
30/12/2015 From the Tyrone Courier and News dated Thursday 27 December 1917:
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 Mrs Marsh, widow of the late Lieutenant Marsh, whose death was reported in these columns a few weeks ago, has received the following letter from Colonel C J Cole Hamilton :-
30/12/2015 'As you will have heard already, 2nd Lieutenant J Marsh died while gallantly leading his men on 23rd November. He was caught by machine gun fire. His loss was a heavy on for the Battalion as he was one of our most promising officers, always setting a splendid example to all. It may be some slight comfort to you in your great sorrow to know in what high estimation I, his Colonel, and other officers of the Battalion held him. He died as he lived, at the head of his men, setting as usual a great example of courage. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.'
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 15th July 1916:
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 Corporal Harry Robinson, 13th Royal Irish Rifles (No 1 County Downs) is wounded in the knee and in hospital in France. He is a son of Mr James Robinson, Benburb. In a letter to his parents received on Saturday, he states that he does not know how he escaped, as his battalion was wiped out. He also mentions that Sergeant Joseph Marsh, Roughan, Coalisland, who also belongs to the battalion, is alright, although his platoon, which numbers 70 men, were all killed or wounded.
30/12/2015 Corporal Harry Robinson reported after 1st July that Sergeant Joseph Marsh, who belonged to the same battalion, was alright, but his platoon, which numbered 70 men, were all killed or wounded.
30/12/2015 In January 1917, Private Marsh was married to Miss Lamont, daughter of Mr Charles Lamont of Ballynahinch, County Down,
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