Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Joseph Elphick was born on 1st January 1899 in Dorking to shoemaker Joseph and Emily nee Warren. He was baptised on 19th March 1899 at St Martin’s Church in Dorking. At the time of his baptism, the Elphick family lived at 6 Roses Cottages.
Joseph’s father Joseph was born in the 3rd quarter of 1867 in Brighton to gardener and railway porter George, born about 1833 in Dorking and Annie, born about 1835 in Lewes, Sussex. At the time of the 1891 Census, Joseph lived with his family at Blackbrook, North Holmwood and was working as a railway porter. Joseph’s mother Emily Warren was born about 1871 in Holmwood to agricultural labourer John, born about 1840 in Newdigate and Lucy, born about 1838 in Dorking. Emily was baptised on 8th January 1871 in Holmwood. Joseph and Emily married in the 4th quarter of 1897 in Reigate, Surrey. Joseph had two known siblings: John born about 1901 and Emily born about 1903, both in Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 6 Roses Cottages. Joseph was working as a railway porter and Emily was at home. The household further comprised of their sons Joseph and John.
On 20th March 1903 Joseph was admitted into St Martin’s Church of England School. On 8th April 1904 Joseph was transferred into St Martin’s Church of England School for Boys. He left the school on 19th March 1913.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were still in 6 Roses Cottages, Dorking. Joseph snr. was working as a railway shunter and Emily was at home. The household further comprised of their children Joseph and Emily and visitors: Arthur Carpenter with family. Emily stated that she had given birth to three children of whom two were still alive. The accommodation had four rooms.
According to the UK, Railway Employment Records, Joseph jnr was an engine cleaner at Dorking Station in August 1915.
Joseph Elphick attested on 22nd May 1917 into the 3rd Training Reserve Battalion.
At the time of his death he was part of the 40th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He was a Private with regimental number: 132296.
Joseph Elphick was killed on 12th April 1918 in France.
He was re-buried at the Croix-Du-Bec British Cemetery in France. His cemetery reference number is: Sp. Mem. G. 14. The headstone bears the inscription: Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out.
He received the British War and Victory medals.
His father received £7, 3s and 6d on 16th April 1919 in Soldiers Effects.
Joseph Elphick still lived at 6 Roses Cottages, Dorking.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Joseph and Emily Elphick of 6 Roses Cottages, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 40th Company, Machine Gun Corps | |
| Number | 132796 | |
| Date of Death | 12th April 1918 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 19 | |
| Cemetery | Croix-du-bac British Cemetery, Steenwerck, France |
