Joseph Bernard Freeman

Father: Joseph Freeman, born 1875 at Mansfield and working as a stationary engine driver. Mother: Georgina Freeman, born 1873 at Keston, Lincolnshire. Sgt. freeman had three brothers; James, born in1897, William, Born in 1898 and George, born April 1901. All the children were born in Nottingham. The family lived at 2 Constance Grove, Wilford, Nottingham before moving to 29 Willersley Street, Meadows, Nottingham.

Joseph Freeman volunteered for training and was drafted to France on18/05/1915. All told he served for 3 years 9 months and reached the rank of acting Company Sergeant Major. Five British divisions, including the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, were moved for rest and recuperation after the March-April fighting in 1918 to the quiet of the Chemin des dames Ridge. Unfortunately that was exactly where the next german offensive was to take place. The battalion had less than a day's warning and though they tried to move back as the French flank units collapsed, the men were overwhelmed. By the evening of 27/05/1918 560 men were listed as dead or missing, including Sgt. Freeman who was killed in action. His body was never recovered, but his name was commemorated on the Soissons Memorial.

Death notice published 'Nottingham Evening Post,' 3rd July 1918. “FREEMAN. – Killed in action, May 27th, 1918, Coy.-Sergt. Major Joseph Freeman, Sherwoods, dearly loved eldest son of Georgina and the late Joseph Freeman, 29, Willersley-street, in his 23rd year, after three years and nine months' service. Duty nobly done. – Mother, brother, Billy (in France) and George.” In memoriam published 'Nottingham Evening Post,' 27th May 1919. “FREEMAN. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Co. Sergt.-Major Joe Freeman, killed in action May 27th, 1918. – Mother, brother, and George.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918