Joseph Kelsall Fritchley (1891–1969)

Private

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 48232  
Labour Corps 16960  

 

Biography
Appropriately, Joseph was born on 18 July1891at Fritchley, the son William and Mary Fritchley. His father was a farmer and young Joseph also worked on the farm. He married Jessie A Worthy in 1916 and enlisted the same year serving in the 20th Labour Battalion of the Foresters. In April 1917, these men were transferred to the Labour Corps as the 28th and 29th Labour Companies. After demob, he farmed at Home Farm on the Common, Crich.

There is no record of him serving overseas with the Foresters regiment. Having checked the medal rolls, all the men around his number served in 20th Labour Battalion Notts & Derby which in 1917 became part of the Labour Corps. If he received the Victory and British War medal he must have served overseas. In April 1917 the 20th Labour Battalion was transferred to Labour Corps as 28th and 29th Labour Companies. Enlisted around March/April 1916. The 20th went to France in June 1916 as part of 5th army troops. I think he went overseas with 20th Labour Battalion in 1916 which then became part of the Labour Corps.
[Steve Morse]

Medal Roll Index Cards
William was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Fritchley

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
William J Fritchley Head 47 Farmer Crich
Mary E Fritchley wife 48   Wyersale, Lancs
James Fritchley son 16 Coal miner Crich
William Fritchley son 14 Grocers careter Crich
Theore? Fritchley son 11   Crich
Joseph K Fritchley son 9   Crich
Mary H Fritchley daughter 4   Crich

RG13 piece 3231 folio 11 page 13

1911: Fritchley

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
William Fritchley Head(wdwr) 56 Farmer Fritchley
James Fritchley son 26 Coal worker Fritchley
Joseph Fritchley son 19 Assistant to farm Fritchley
Amy Newbold servant 20 Domstic servant Fritchley

RG14PN20983 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED12 SN223

1939 Register: The Common, Crich
Joseph K Fritchley b.18 July 1891; dairy farmer
Jessie A Fritchley b.24 August 1891
Joseph A Fritchley b.1 October 1916; horseman and poultry farmer