Joseph Cyril Wells

Cyril was born on at Wood Street, Sutton in Ashfield, His full name was Joseph Cyril but he was also known as Cyril depending upon which source is cited. He was the son of Joseph Matthew and Sarah Wells (née Orton) and the brother of Charles Henry, Eliza, John William, Thomas Arthur and Lily Wells. In 1911 they lived at 44 Edward Street, East Kirkby. His father Joseph was a lamp examiner at a colliery and he and his wife Sarah had nine children, two of whom died in infancy before 1911. Sarah died aged 46 years on 29th August 1911 leaving Joseph to bring up his family on his own. In 1911 the family was living at 44 Edward Street, East Kirkby. Joseph died on 11 May 1938 aged 74 years.

He was a colliery lamp cleaner above ground.

Joseph Cyril enlisted on 12th August 1914 at Newark, giving his address as Sutton, his age as 18 years and 345 days and his occupation as that of safety lamp cleaner employed by Batherley Colliery Co of East Kirkby. He had been medically examined and passed as fit for duty the previous day at Sutton in Ashfield. He served with the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) Regiment. After basic training he went out to France on 2nd March 1915 to join the British Expeditionary Force. Joseph served with the battalion until he was wounded by a gun shot to his right leg on 1st April 1915. Joseph was treated at No 2 General Hospital but the wound had caused a fracture and subsequently an abscess and he was evacuated to England on 9th April for further treatment. Although his wound seems to have healed, on 13th April 1916 at Seafield Hospital, Blackpool, Joseph was found medically unfit to continue with his military service due to pulmonary phthisis (TB) and was recommended for discharge from the army on 27th April 1916. However, Joseph died on 25th April 1916 while at home and was buried in Sutton in Ashfield cemetery.

Inscription on family gravestone, Sutton in Ashfield cemetery: 'In loving memory of Sarah, the beloved wife of Joseph Matthew Wells, who died Aug. 29th 1911, aged 46 years. We cannot Lord Thy purpose se, But all is well that is done by Thee. Also of the above Joseph Matthew Wells who died May 11th 1938 aged 74 years. Re-united. Also their beloved son, Pte Joseph Cyril Wells, 2117 8th Batt. Sherwood Foresters who died April 25th 1916, aged 20 years. Doris Emma Williams. Grand-daughter of the above who died April 9th 1912, aged 4 years and 10 months. Jesus called a little child unto him.'