Photographs of Joseph Pettit's memorabilia from WW1
Joseph Pettit, born in Castlejordan, County Meath joined the Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) at their depot headquarters in Crinkle, Birr, County Offaly on 27th January 1913. He was attested to the 2nd Battalion, Company A as a Corporal. His Battalion received orders for the front in August 1914 and arrived at St Nazaire, France on 12th September 1914. His Battalion made their way to the Western Front and he was based in Armentieres up to July 1915. Thereafter we only know that he was 'In the Field', as that is what is written in his Soldier's Pay Book for Use in Active Service. He received a Mention in a dispatch to the War Office by General Sir Douglas Haig on 30th April 1916 published in the London Gazette (2nd Supplement) on 15th June 1916 for Gallant and Distinguished services in the field. There were no specific battles at this time, but entrenched siege warfare. On the 18th September 1917, Joseph Pettit was transferred to the Labour Corps and given a new Regiment Number of 407467. It is not specified why Joseph was transferred. On 19th January 1918 he was transferred to the Chinese Labour Corps and promoted to Company Serjeant Major (Warrant Officer Class II). Joseph was gifted a hand carved Chinese style seat from one of the men of the Chinese Labour Corps. It has basic carvings depicting intertwined persons on one half and intertwined fish on the other. It is in four pieces that are interlocked and can be expanded out into a low level chair. After the Armistice, he remained in France/ Flanders until he was shipped ‘home’ to the U.K. on 20th January 1919 in order to convalesce from Pleurisy Tuberculosis. He was sent to the 1st Eastern General Hospital, a territorial force General Hospital in Cambridge. He was honourably discharged on 16th July 1919. He received the 3 Medals: 1. the Mons Star Medal , 2. The British War Medal and 3. The Victory Medal