Joseph Farmer was born on 17th March 1884, after leaving school he joined the Coldstream Guards. On discharge from The Guards he subsequently joined Essex Police as PC 256 on 7th December 1905. Hr served in Brentwood, Great Clacton and then Tilbury when he married Florence Pavitt with whome he had 2 children. On the outbreak of war he was recalled to his regiment as Private 4901. He formed part of the BEF which travelled to France between the 12th and 17th August. Joseph was captured by the Germans on 14th September 1914, initially he was sent to Doeberit in Germany. He was later transferred along with other POW's to the Eastren Front where he was kept in captivity on the front line in the vacinity of Matau in what is now Latvia, until he died on 15th April 1917.  Documents recovered following the war show that parcels which were meant for the POW's never reached them and thos eprisoners that died did so due to starvation and exhaustion. In a letter sent home by Joseph which was published in The Essex County Chronicle he stated he was suffering from frostbite in 2 of his toes. Joseph is buried in The Nickolai cemetery in Latvia.

Joseph will be forever remembered by all at Essex Police who are proud of his dedication and bravery. He gave his life for us all in the true unconditional commitment of a Police Officer.  

Michael Smith