Joseph William Jenner

A Trimmer with H.M. Drifter Rooke, Joseph died on 3rd of August 1916 at the age of 26. 

Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 4 November 1891, a son of Arthur James and Jessie Eliza Jenner. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Forester’s Terrace, Kirkley. By 1911 they were living at 45 Morton Road and later at 3 Walmer Road, Lowestoft.

Joseph was working as a fisherman when he volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 9 September 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 12643, and was posted to the 9th Battalion on 22 September 1914. Joseph was discharged on 4 November 1914 because of acute appendicitis.  

Joseph joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 December 1914 and served on the drifter Rooke. 

During the night of 2 – 3 August 1916 the Rooke was off Deal, Kent, and collided with the Swedish merchant ship S.S. Mereddio. Five of the crew, including Joseph, were killed and four survived.