27-year-old Private Joseph Court died on 18th October 1915, aged 27, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. He was born in Haseley, Warwickshire, on 11th February 1889, and baptised at Haseley on 17th March 1889. His parents were Joseph, recorded as a soldier, and Caroline, both of whom were born in Shrewley, Warwickshire, as was their eldest child, Catherine (born 1887).
The family moved to Hob Lane, Berkswell sometime between 1889 and 1891, by which time Joseph (senior) had left the Army and was recorded as a shoemaker. The family remained in Hob Lane until at least 1911 although Caroline died in June 1899, aged 49, and was buried on 21st June 1899 at London Road Cemetery, Coventry, leaving her widowed husband with two children, aged 10 and 12. By 1911, 22-year-old Joseph (junior) was working as a gardener, whilst his 23-year-old sister, Catherine, was listed as a housekeeper.
It’s not known when Joseph Court enlisted with the Coldstream Guards, but he embarked for France on 9th February 1915 and was killed in action on 18th October 1915, serving as a Private with the 1st Battalion.
He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. His name is also recorded locally on Berkswell war memorial.
If you have any more information about Joseph Court, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel.: 0121 704 6934
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
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