Joseph Fern was born in 1889 in Wolverhampton, the son of Joseph and Susannah Fern. In 1901, he appears living at 38 East Street (under the name “Josiah”), together with his parents, his brothers Albert, George, John and William, and sisters Ann, Lily and Nelly. His father, Joseph, died in 1902 at the age of 46.
Joseph enlisted with the 10th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment (number 39649). Initially he was reported as missing, but by September 15 1917 it was reported in the Midland Counties Express that “the family must make up their minds that the worst has happened.” He died on 18 November 1916, and is commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt.
Wolverhampton's War 
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