Lives of the First World War

known 1st July 1916

Last week we announced that a party of four 1st Battalion lads had been killed simultaneously while out on special work. One of these was Private Townend (Dodworth), and a second of the quartet was Private Joseph Hargreaves, 64, Long Row, Carlton, who leaves a wife and two children. Prior to the war Hargreaves worked at Wharncliffe Woodmoor pit. He was 28 years of age. Second-Lieut. T. H. Hions, has written to Mrs. Hargreaves under date June 17th, 1916, as follows: "It is with deepest regret that I write this letter to inform you of the death of your husband No.473 Private J. Hargreaves, who was killed in action this (Saturday) morning. He and three comrades were engaged on special work at the time and the whole party were killed. He did not suffer any pain; death was instantaneous. He was a good soldier and his death is a loss not only to his section but to the whole Battalion. You have this consolation - that he did his duty and in doing so laid down his life. On behalf of the officers, N.C.O's, and men of D Co., I beg to offer you and your family our deepest sympathy in your great loss. May Our Father give to you and yours His divine comfort in this your hour of grief and mourning."

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