Regiment: 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment
Service No: G/637
Date & place of birth: May 1892, Tilney-cum-Islington, Norfolk
Date & place of death: 7 July 1916 (aged 24) in France
Sergeant Joseph Charles Kent was born near Kings Lynn and spent his first years in Norfolk before the family moved to Tillington.
Family background
Joseph Charles Kent was the son of John William and Martha Susanna Kent. He had three brothers and a sister. His father was a cowman and the family was originally from Norfolk, but by 1911 they were living in Tillington. In 1911 he was working as a cowman and miller in Westhampnett, boarding with the miller.
Military service
Joseph enlisted in Chichester in the 7th Battalion which was formed at Chichester in August 1914. They landed in Boulogne, France on 1 June 1915 and fought in the Battle of Loos which lasted from 25 September – 18 October 1915. In 1916 they were engaged in the Battle of Albert, the Battle of Pozieres and the Battle of Le Transloy.
Death and commemoration
Joseph was killed in action at Ovillers 7 July 1916 aged 24, probably in the Battle of Albert. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He was awarded the British Victory and 15 Star medals.
Subsequent family history
Joseph’s family were living at 405 Station Road, Petworth after the war.