Prescot Roll of Honour

Joseph BRAY

26 Cross Street, Prescot

Private 154856, RAMC

Joseph was the father of young Joseph Bray, whose tale is told on the main pages of this Roll of Honour.

The 1911 census shows the Bray family living at 17, Duke Street, Prescot. Joseph was aged 39 and worked as a House Painter. He and Emily had been married for 15 years and had 5 children; Clara (14), Joseph 13), Sydney (10), Thomas (7) and John (under 1 month).

He appears to have joined the Army Reserve when called up for service at Warrington on 22nd June 1918. His papers show that he was aged 46 at the time and worked as a Decorator. He recorded his next of kin as his wife Emily of the same address. They had married on 25th January 1896 in Knowsley and her maiden name was Noakes. Joseph recorded that he had seven children; Clara (b. Oct 1896), Joseph (August 1898), Sidney, Thomas (4th September 1903), John (24th February 1911), Emily Louisa (6th August 1913) and Lena (3rd February 1918).

He underwent his medical examination at St Helens on 4th June 1918. He reported that he had been born in Gateacre, that he stood 5 foot 7 inches in height, had Gray hair, a fresh complexion and Blue eyes. He was classed as Grade B1 with the caveat that he should not be placed in any higher category during his military service as he had passed the age of 40.

At the Trade Test Centre in Woolwich, he was posted to the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Private in July 1918 and stayed with the unit until he was demobilised in April 1919 .He did not see overseas service but instead was posted to No 19 Company of the 4th Training Battalion ansd was posted to the Lord Derby War Hospital in Warrington.

He was treated at the Hospital in September 1918 for a septic sore on the back of his right hand and it was also reported that he was suffering from influenza at the same time. He remained on duty at the hospital until 12th March 1919. He then proceeded to Heaton Park in Stockport, ready for demobilisation.

Joseph died in Prescot in 1938, aged 66