HILL, Joseph Alfred

Joseph Hill was born in Netherton and was married to Miriam of 'Nothreten', Hackmans Gate, Clent, Worcs. He enlisted in the 28th London (Artists Rifles) Battalion and arrived on the Western Front on the 20th March 1917. He as in the front line almost immediately and fought in the battles of Arras from April to May when heavy losses were suffered. In October they moved to Flanders for the ongoing Third Battle of Ypres and were sent to a precarious position on the Passchendaele ridge. A major attack was made on the 26th to capture this important position and heavy losses were taken. The attack was repeated again on the 27th and again on the 30th. All failed, the last including Private Joseph Hill. He was 35 years of age and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.