Lance Serjeant 17106 Joseph Thomas Fellows, MM


Fellows Joseph 17106 96 407x600


Died on Thursday, 31st October 1918, age 26.
Buried in Grave II. H. 10. at Pont-De-Nieppe Communal Cemetery, Nord, France.

6th Bn., South Wales Borderers. Pioneer Battalion of 30th Division.

Son of Samuel and Martha Fellows, of 39, Downing St., Liswerry; husband of F. E. Smith (formerly Fellows), of 15, Ifton St., Liswerry, Newport, Mon.
Born: Tipton, Enlisted: Newport, Mon., Resident: Unknown.

First landed France & Flanders, 24th September 1915.
Medal entitlement: Medal entitlement: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive.

Not commemorated on any Tipton memorial.
Commemorated here because identified as Tipton on 'Soldiers Died in the Great War'.

Link to Commonwealth War Graves Site: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/189827/


Genealogical Data

Birth of Joseph Fellows registered Dudley June quarter 1892 in Dudley.

1901 Census
22 High Street, Princes End, Tipton, Staffs.
Samuel Fellows (38, Bricklayer's Labourer, born Tipton), his wife Martha (40, born Tipton), and their 4 children: Joseph (9, born Tipton), William (4, born Tipton), Joseph (9, born Tipton), Elizabeth (4, born Tipton), and Alfred (2, born Tipton).

1911 Census
39 Downing Street, Liswerry, Newport, Mon.
Samuel Fellows (44, General Dealer, born Tipton), his wife Martha (50, Housewife, born Tipton), and their 6 surviving children of 7: Joseph (19, Marker at Sheet Iron Works, born Tipton), William (16, Scrap Cutter, born Tipton), Elizabeth (14, born Tipton), Alfred (12, School, born Tipton), Lyder Ann Rose (9, born Tipton), and Richard Eaves (8, born Tipton).

Marriage of Joseph T. Fellows and Florence E. Blud registered June quarter 1914 in Newport, Monmouth. The birth of their son, Joseph T. Fellows, was registered in June quarter 1916 in Newport, Monmouth.


Personal Data

The award of the Military Medal to Joseph Fellows was recorded in the London Gazette of 6th August 1918 "6/17106 Cpl. J.T. Fellows, S.W. Bord (Newport, Mon.)"

Joseph Fellows (Soldier No. 17106) enlisted in Newport, Monmouthshire, in approximately August 1914. John Woodall (Soldier No. 17099) also enlisted in Newport, Monmouthshire, at the same time. As both men were born in Tipton, working in Wales, and enlisting at the same time, it is a fair assumption that they were known to each other, most likely pals. Ironically, they survived almost the entirity of the war before dying within days of each other, Joseph on 31st October 1918 and John on 29th October 1918. Their deaths did not result from military action, but possibly from the effects of the flu pandemic which was close to its peak in October 1918.

After Joseph's death, his outstanding army pay and allowances amounted to £7/15/0d (7 pounds and 15 shillings), this was paid to his widow, Florence E., in February 1919. His War Gratuity was £25/0/0d (25 pounds exactly), this was also paid to Florence in March 1919. The value of the War Gratuity suggests that Joseph had enlisted in approximately August 1914.


Action resulting in his death

When Joseph joined the 6th South Wales Borderers they were an infantry battalion in 76th Brigade of 25th Division. In February 1915, while they were still training in England, they became the Pioneer Battalion for the 25th Division. In July 1918, they became the Pioneer Battalion for the 30th Division.

Joseph is recorded as having 'Died' on 31st October 1918. This generally means that death was due to accident or illness rather than wounds received during active service. The cause of Joseph's death is not known, but the 1918 influenza pandemic was rife at this time. Joseph died at the 17th Casualty Clearing Station and is buried in Pont-De-Nieppe Communal Cemetery.


Newspaper Cuttings

None.