Joseph Marsh, originally from Newmills, Dungannon was the 2nd son of Samuel and Annie Marsh. Born 15th January 1892, Joseph lived in Roughan townland, Tyrone.
At the outbreak of war in 1914 Joseph was employed by Hurst's mill in Drumaness as a spinning mill mechanic. He was a member of Masonic Lodge no. 300, Newmills Loyal Orange Lodge No. 183 and RBP No.231. Joseph was also a member of the Newmills and Drumaness UVF companies.
At twenty-one years of age, Joseph originally enlisted in the 13th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles in September 1914, and on obtaining his commission, in May 1917, was posted to the 15th Battalion. He took part in the fighting at the Somme on the 1st July,1916, and was subsequently awarded a certificate for gallantry when he successfully organised the bombing of a German communications trench. It was reported that on 1st July every man in Marsh's platoon was either killed or wounded.
In January 1917 Joseph married Miss Lamont, Daughter of Charles Lamont from Ballynahinch.
Second Lieutenant Joseph Marsh was killed in action, charging a machine gun nest, on 23rd November 1917 aged 25.
A letter to his wife from Rev G Wilson read "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 who 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.’"
Joseph has no known grave but is commemorated on Cambrai Memorial, Ballynahinch War Memorial, Dungannon War Memorial, Newmills LOL 183 Roll of Honour, Newmills Parish Church Roll of Honour and on a dedicated marble memorial in the Parish Church Of Ireland Newmills, Dungannon.
Any additional information on Joseph, others named on the War Memorial or anyone listed on our website would be gratefully received