In Memory of
JOSEPH STEPHEN BELCHER
Born: 1894 Steventon, Berkshire.
Son of James & Emily Belcher of
Stocks Lane, Steventon.
Pre-war occupation: Lad Porter on Railway (GWR)
201747 Private Joseph Belcher
3rd/4th Territorial Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment
Died: 3rd December 1917 aged 23
Disease in Service – Glanrhyd Military Hospital
REMEMBERED WITH HONOUR:
St Michael & All Angels churchyard,
Steventon, Berkshire
The 3/4th Battalion was raised in 1915 as a 3rd-Line duplicate of the 1/4th Battalion. The 3/4th remained in Britain for the war supplying drafts and replacements to the other Territorial Force battalions. While in service Private Belcher contracted Tubercular Meningitis and consequently died at Glanrhyd Military Hospital, Pontardawe, Glamorganshire.
Joseph lived with his parents and adopted older brother at Stocks Lane, Steventon. Joseph’s parents chose a private grave at St Michael's church, Steventon, therefore he has no Commonwealth War Graves Commission Headstone or Memorial.
His headstone inscription reads: 1/4 Royal Berks Regiment.
Next of Kin - Mother Emily Belcher, 26 Recreation Rd, Guildford, Surrey (WW1 Pension Ledger).
