Joseph Francis Gamble

Formerly a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve (Patrol Service), Joseph died on 23rd of December 1946 at the age of 64.

Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 8 May 1882, a son of Frances Joseph and Clara Gamble. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 28 May 1882. In 1891 his family were living at 19 Stanford Street. In 1901 Joseph worked on the trawler 'Fisherman' LT 568 and the Census shows him at Padstow. 

On 23 June 1903 Joseph married Louisa Maria Stock at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Joseph was a fisherman and they were both living at 306 Raglan Street.

In 1907 Joseph was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper.

On 1 November 1916 Joseph was appointed Temporary Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, number SA 2765. At the time his home was at 30 Pyrenees Terrace, Brixham, Devon. From 1 November 1916 Joseph served on the trawler Idaho; from 30 January 1917 with the trawler Ivy II; with the Osinio 2 from 24 February 1917; with the trawler Hopeful from 5 November 1917. In February 1918 a telegram from Taranto reported Joseph as 'seriously ill', he recovered and, from 1 July 1918, served with the trawler Coltman. He was discharged on 22 January 1919. 

In 1920 Joseph, Louisa, and family, lived at 325 Raglan Street. By 1921 they were living at 98 Alexander Road. In 1939 they were living at 59 Avondale Road and Joseph worked as a trawler skipper. 

From 17 April 1940 to 19 August 1940 Joseph served as a Second Hand with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He was appointed Temporary Skipper, number TS 709, from 20 August 1940. From 20 August 1940 he served with the trawler Umbriel; from 15 December 1940 with the Sunspot. He joined the Craigmiller on 17 February 1941 as Second Skipper and took command from 9 May 1941. On 25 August 1941 he joined the Anere Esperance; the Martello from 21 January 1942; Prosperine from 17 February 1942; in command of the Maggie Gault from 18 February 1942, and the Drainie from 4 October 1942. 

On 7 June 1943 Joseph was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital Kingseat, Aberdeen, and found to be suffering from organic heart disease and medically unfit for further service. His engagement was terminated on 31 July 1943 and he was granted a disability pension. 

In 1944 Joseph and Louisa lived at Loandi, Normanston Drive, Oulton Broad.