Joseph William Saunders

A Cook with Steam Trawler Derwent (Boston), Joseph died on 26th of January 1920 at the age of 21. 

Joseph was born at Lowestoft on 16 March 1899, a son of Aldous Ward and Sarah Elizabeth Saunders. In 1901 his family lived at 2 Wellington Cottages. By 1911 they were living at 2 Herring Fishery Score, and in 1916 they lived at 6 Maltster’s Score. 

In 1919 Joseph married Lilian Ethel Prettyman: this was registered in the Mutford district. Their home was at 2 Wells Yard, Saint Peter’s Street. In 1922 Lilian married Edward Godbold. 

Joseph joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 11 February 1915, service number 11494/DA. He served as a Boy on the trawler Renovate until 5 June 1915 when he joined the Veracity. On 16 March 1916 he joined the Asimo II and he was advanced to Deck Hand. He joined the trawler Dreel Castle on 24 December 1916 and was with H.M.S. White Oak from 19 February 1917. From 21 January 1918 he was with H.M.S. Attentive II, and he joined H.M.S. Halcyon II on 20 February 1918. He then went to the trawler Admire on 16 March 1918. He was demobilized on 3 April 1919. 

In 1920 Joseph worked on the Grimsby registered trawler Derwent, GY 525. The trawler was reported missing on 26 January 1920 and is thought to have struck a mine. The vessel was lost with all ten crew. 

 Joseph’s brother John served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1917.