WW1 Joseph Edward Wood

Joseph Edward Wood

Joseph Edward Wood (Service number 38787) was born in Auckland on 14 August 1896 to Thomas Wood and Louisa Ann Wood (Crowhurst), of 83 Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland. His older brother was Claude Henry Upton Wood (Service number 32106) who also served in World War I.


Joseph Edward Wood was a joiner before enlistment, working for C. H. Franklin in Newmarket, Auckland. He was 5ft 10 inches tall, with a brown complexion, brown eyes and light brown hair. He was also serving part time in the Auckland Squadron Corps of the Territorials before his enlistment. Although there was no formal connection between the Territorials and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (NZEF), the NZEF reproduced the structure and techniques of the Territorials, and many of those who volunteered for service had received relevant military training in the territorials.

Joseph Edward Wood enlisted on 10 June 1916. After training in New Zealand, he sailed on 13 February 1917 from Wellington on the vessel ‘Mokoia’ and arrived on 2 May 1917 in Plymouth, Devon, England. He was a Private in the 22nd Reinforcements, E Company of the NZEF. On 10 June 1917, he was posted to the Western Front near Ypres, Belgium, as General Haig’s offensive was beginning on 31 July 1917.

As Commander of the Fifth Army, General Gough’s task was to break through the German resistance. General Haig had developed a sophisticated plan which involved General Rawlinson’s Fourth Army landing a division behind the enemy lines (Operation Hush) to link up with Gough’s forces coming from Roulers. A New Zealand field artillery unit, 2nd (Army) Brigade, was deployed to the coastal sector where the gunners found themselves in part of a prolonged and fierce artillery duel across the Yser River. Other New Zealanders were also in action to support of General Gough’s offensive and would move on to attack the Geluveld–Passchendaele Plateau in Belgium Joseph was killed in action on 1 August 1917 at the Third Battle of Ypres, aged 21 years. He is buried at Messines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium.

Crowhurst and Joseph Edward Wood Grave St Marks

He is remembered on memorials at:

• A family grave memorial with his Crowhurst cousins, St Mark’s Churchyard, 95 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.

• Messines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 1 Hall of Memories.

 

WOOD—in loving memory of our dear son, Private Joseph Edward Wood, who was killed in action August 1 I9I7. Dear is the spot where our son is laid, Sweet is his memory, it never will fade: Flowers may wither, leaves fade and die. If others forget you, never will I. Inserted by his loving parents, Louisa and Thomas Wood.

WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Joseph Edward Wood (Ted). Killed in action in France, August 1 1917; aged 21 years. No greater love hath no man than this, That he lay down his life for his friends. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Tom Stone. Mt. Smart Road. Onehunga.

WOOD— In sad and loving memory of our dear brother, Private Joseph Edward Wood, killed in action, August 1, 1017. We never will forget the day when our dear brother went away. His thoughts were all of those he loved, yet we could not make him stay; In a lonely grave across the sea in a distant foreign land, Lies the one who was so dear to us—a soldier and a man. Inserted by his loving sisters, E. Reed and M. Naylor.

WOOD— In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Joseph Edward Wood (Ted) killed in action in France, August 1 1917; aged 21 years. Dearly loved and sadly missed. lnserted by his loving sister, and brother-in-law, Phoebe and S. Little.

WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother Private Joseph Edward Wood. Who was killed in action August 1 1917. Our brother’s name shall be cherished and looked upon with pride . While trying to do his duty , he nobly fell and died. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law Lily and Jim Little.

WOOD —in loving memory of our nephew Private J. E. Wood, killed in action in France, August 1 1917. Far away from those who love him, Soldiers gently laid him to rest in a far-away grave he is sleeping. One of. God’s brightest and best. Inserted by his loving uncle and aunt B. and. C. Crowhurst.

WOOD—ln affectionate remembrance of Private Joseph Edward Wood. Killed in action August 1, 1917. No greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Inserted by his friends, F. Bamwell and family of Brighton, Sussex, England.

WOOD—Killed in action on August 1 1917 Private Joseph Edward Wood. 22nd Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry, youngest son of Louisa and Thomas Wood, Ranfurly Road, Epsom: aged 21 years. Deeply regretted. Killed in action say the cables, that is all the tale they tell of the brave young lad who loved us, Of the lad we loved so well. How the life was aged, we never saw–what the last word, look or thought. Only that he did his duty, killed as bravely as he fought. Inserted by his chum W. C. Smith.

WOOD.—In loving memory of our dear son. Private Joseph Edward (Ted) Wood, who was killed in action August 1, 1917. . Today. as we look at your photo, Ted, In likeness so lovely and true. Do you know how our hearts are aching and longing, dear Teddy, for you? Inserted by his sorrowing parents, Louisa and Thomas Wood. WOOD.—In fond and loving memory of our dear brother, Private Joseph Edward Wood, killed In action August 1, 1917. Our brother hero. Should I not return and your hearts grow sad. Remember me as your soldier lad. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, A. C. and J. Reed.

WOOD.—In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother. Private Joseph Edward(Ted) Wood, who was killed in action August 1, 1917. Ever remembered. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Lily and Jim Little.

WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother. Private Joseph Edward (Ted) Wood, who was killed in action August 1, 1017. Sadly missed. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, L and W. Naylor.

WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother. Private Joseph Edward Wood (Ted) killed in action in France, August 1, 1917; aged 21 years. Our brother’s name shall be cherished. And looked upon with pride; While trying to do his duty, He nobly fell and died. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, E. and T. Stone, Onehunga. WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother. Private Joseph Edward Wood (Ted), killed in action in France, August 1, 1917. In the bloom of life death claimed him, In the pride of his manhood days; No-one knew him but to love him. None mentioned his name but to praise. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Phoebe and Sam Little, Onehunga.

WOOD.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Edward Joseph Wood, of the 21st Reinforcements, killed in action, August 1, 1917, A loving brother, true and kind. No one on this earth like him we’ll find; The years have passed, but none can tell. true loss of our dear brother we loved so well. Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Claude and Charlotte Wood.

WOOD—Killed in action on August 1, 1917. Private Joseph Edward Wood (22nd Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry), youngest son of Louisa and Thomas Wood, Ranfurly Road, Epsom; aged 21 years. Deeply regretted. A brave New Zealand volunteer. Responding to the call. Who battled on for twelve months Ere he was doomed to fall. Farewell, my best of boyhood’s chums, May sweet rest be your sleep: And through the years that’s spared to me Sweet memories I’ll keep. Inserted by his sweetheart and chum.

ROLL OF HONOUR. Star, Volume L, Issue 181, 1 August 1919 http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190801.2.107

WOOD—In loving memory of our dear brother -Private Joseph Edward Wood (Ted), killed in action in France August 1, 1917; aged 21 years. In childhood we played together, And the games we often had. But I never thought that our brother would die, A brave soldier lad. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Florence and L. Emslie.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. FOR KING AND COUNTRY. Auckland Star, 1 August 1918 http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19180801.2.68