Joseph's Story.
Joseph Goulding was the youngest son of William and Prudence Goulding of 22, Townfield Lane, Barnton, but the family moved to Belmont Smithy, Great Budworth, Cheshire, where his eldest brother became the smith. Joseph became a bricklayer and was a very active member in the Bricklayers Union.
Once again his military records are lost but from the bits of information I have gleaned from various sources this is what I have discovered:
Joseph joined the 2/7th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment becoming Private No. 277640, sometime after 1915. He was later promoted to Lance Corporal.
He died of wounds on the 23 July 1917. He was 22 years old.
'As your young boy's chaplain I must write to you just a brief line to say how ones heart bleeds for you and the other brave mothers of England who have given so much for our cause. The cost is great but the cause is worthy. I think that the only thing that can help us at such a time is just to remember it is the price that God paid for us and our redemption. He so loved that he gave. He loved us and gave himself for us and if great is the sacrifice great is also the blessing and the joy which comes to those who gave their all for God and humanity. He rests here in the military cemetery and is mourned by all his officers and comrades.
The letter received from his un-named officer revealed that Joseph was popular with his lads as they are always talking about him. He went on to say that He died for his country and he accounted for a good number of the enemy during his four months at the front.