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« on: Monday 31 December 07 19:22 GMT (UK) »
This man deserves his own space,
Madpants, I hope he is yours, if not we will have to adopt him, as I can't put him back now.
FROM THE REPORTER, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1917
LIEUT. JOE MALLALIEU
Death from bomb wounds in France
A POPULAR OFFICER
As briefly announced in the "Reporter" last week, Second Lieutenant Joe Mallalieu, West Riding Regiment, of Apsley Side, Mossley, who had been in hospital in France for many months suffering from severe wounds, passed away on the 6th inst.
Further news from Mrs Mallalieu states that her husband passed away at No 9 Red Cross Hospital, France, twenty minutes after she arrived there. Lieutenant Mallalieu had been six months in hospital suffering from compound fracture of the right femur, multiple wounds in in right leg, and compound fractures of right arm, besides numerous smaller wounds. The wounds were caused by a German bomb (commonly known as a pineapple), Lieutenant Mallalieu and his sergeant receiving the full force of it. At the time doctor's gave him twenty minutes to live, and although terribly injured and suffering great agony he insisted on the doctors attending his sergeant first. (This information was given by his servant, who was present) The cause of death was septic poisoning following on his eigth operation.
The funeral took place at Calais last Saturday, with miltary honours, the chief mourners being Mrs Mallalieu, the hospital surgeons, matron and sister, and Lady Mary Leverson-Gower. Many beautiful wreaths were sent, including one from the Duchess of Sutherland, who was unable to be present through indisposition.
Lieutenant Mallalieu was of a bright and jovial disposition, and liked by everyone with whom he came into contact. In hospital he always had a cheery word for his fellow patients, making light of his wounds and brightening up the ward, although unable to move in bed.
AN APPRECIATION
JOE MALLALIEU, SOLDIER, SPORTSMAN
AND GOOD FELLOW
A tragic telegram of three words conveyed the news to family and friends, that Joe Mallalieu, surely the most lovable of fellows, had made the supreme sacrifice.
With what eagerness he rushed off to London to join the Artists before their ranks were closed. how affectionately he always spoke of his fellow Cadets and their doings. Joe could rough it with the best, and there is little wonder that out at the front he was idolised by his men. Their troubles were his also, and any man who proved a clean, smart soldier would have a staunch friend in Joe, as they affectionately called him. That he did his duty out there is proved by the card we received from Major General Grant, reading, 'Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you distinguished yourself in the field on the 13-14th March 1917. I have read their reports with much pleasure.'
As an all round athlete he probably ranked as the best amateur in the district, and his prowess on the football field and golf course will be remembered for years to come. A clean player himself and scrupulously fair, Joe detested anyone who did not "play the game," and he did not scruple to tell them that at times. Of simple tastes, and essentially a "home bird," his leisure time was happily spent amongst his family and friends in Mossley, Stalybridge, and Deganwy, North Wales. A born humourist, and one who could see fun in everything, he even got fun out of "rent collecting," and a more popular rent collector I'm sure there never was. There would be many sad faces amongst the workpeople and tenants of Carr Hill Mills when the sad news went round.
It is given to few mortals to be univerally popular, but I think Joe Mallalieu achieved even that. An affectionate son and brother and an ideal husband, his married life was of complete happiness. We had all hoped to welcome to Blighty in due course. Alas! it was not to be, and we are left to mourn the loss of one who was a real sportsman, a staunch friend, and a gentleman in every true sense of the word.
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