I do not have a story for Joseph, I did not know he existed until a year ago and I still do not know where he fits into my family tree.

I know he joined the army, in Ireland, before the war started. He was mid to late twenties when he died. Missing in action at Ypres 29th October 1914.

The papers I have are the letters advising my great grandmother that he was still missing. They are dated October 1915. All that time, not knowing if he was alive or dead. All that time, still hoping. One of so many families desperate for news.

It is hard to imagine what they went through, but I try because Joseph cannot be forgotten. We cannot wipe a generation from our memories to make our lives more comfortable.. We owe it to all that died and all that mourned them. Forever.

Helen Bannon