WHEELER, Joseph

Joseph Wheeler was born in Quarry Bank and was probably living in Stourbridge before 1914. He was married to Elizabeth who later lived at 28 Chapel Street, Harts Hill, Brierley Hill. He volunteered in 1914 and enlisted in the South Staffords. He was posted to the 8th (Service) Battalion in 17th Division. Their first battle was on the Somme in 1916. They were in close support on the 1st July, the first day, and on the next day went through and took the village of Fricourt and part of Mametz Wood. This was the one successful attack at the start of the Somme. A second attack on the 5th July, however, was less successful and they were not required to advance again until August when an attempt was made at Delville Wood. The battalion was still there at Lesboeufs in November. On the 5th November, however, an intense shelling caused serious casualties, one of whom was Private Joseph Wheeler. He was 28 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval and Stourbridge Memorials.