Private Joseph Riley Green
1782 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 25th May 1915, aged 18
Lived at 9 Thurston Street
Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli
St Peters Memorial, Burnley

Burnley Express 19/6/1915 (P) 24/7/1915 (P)

Joseph Riley Green was born in Burnley the son of Watson and Agnes Green of 9 Thurston Street. He enlisted in Burnley in February 1914 as Private 1782 in “B” Company in the 1st/5th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment and was killed in action aged 18 on Tuesday 25th May 1915 in the Dardenelles. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey. Panel 113 to 117.

The Burnley Express of June 5 1915 reported:-
“Young Weaver Killed In the Territorial Fighting.
Pte Joseph Riley Green, son Mr and Mrs Watson Green of 9, Thurston St., Burnley of the 1st/5th East Lancashire Regiment was killed in the recent fighting in the Dardenelles. Pte. Green, who was 18 years of age, enlisted in February 1914 and went out to Egypt in September . Before being mobilised he had worked as a weaver for the Fraser Street Manufacturing Co. In his last letter, received about a month ago, he said he was quite well and alright where he was.”

The edition of July 24th 1915:-
" Ended Life Bravely. Captain's Letter to Burnley Parents.
Mr and Mrs Watson Green, of 9 Thurston Street, Burnley received a letter from Capt. Ernest Mouch, commanding 'B' company, 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment, with reference to their son Private J. Riley Green, who was killed in action in the Dardenelles on May 25th.
The letter from Capt.Mouch is dated June 29th and reads. 'Dear Sir and Madam, - It is with deep regret I inform you of the death of your son. He was killed on the 25th May, whilst taking part in an advance against the Turks. Though so young, he set a splendid example to every Englishman, both in life and death. A willing worker, a good comrade, he is greatly missed by all. His cheery manner was a great help to those who worked and fought by his side, and we all feel for you in your sad bereavement. I trust it will lessen your sorrow to learn that in his death he suffered no pain, and ended his young life bravely facing the foe, doing his duty, a soldier, an Englishman to the core.'
Pte Green, who was 18 years of age, enlisted in February 1914, and went out to Egypt in September. Before being mobilised he had worked as a weaver for the Fraser Street Manufacturing Co. In his last letter, received about a month ago, he said he was quite well, and all right where he was."

The War Diary of the 1st/5th Battalion for May 25th 1915 reported:-
“A quiet day. The enemy appeared to be busy in 3 successive lines of trenches to our front. Orders received ‘You will be relieved tonight at 8pm by 1/5th Manchester Regiment.’
1pm Heavy rain for an hour; trenches flooded a knee deep in mud and water.
4.45pm more rain pouring down for about 2 hours. 2 men wounded and 3 killed.
8.30pm. relieved by 1/5th Manchester Regiment. We moved out by the mule track wading through 2 ft to 3 ft for about 2 ½ miles, thence into the gully and so on to our original base. Here we found all dry.
The following incident which occurred during the day was reported to Brigade Headquarters ‘No 1782 Private Green left the advanced trenches (contrary to orders) to fetch water. When about 20yards in the rear of the trench he was shot through the leg. No 2022 Private J L Cooke a stretcher bearer who was in the same trench at once went out under heavy fire to his assistance and whilst getting him back Pte Green was agin hit this time through the head. Seeing he was dead Pte Cooke then left him and returned to the trench but was himself hit in the elbow just as he was getting back into the trench.’
Later on 31/7/15 the War Diary reported ‘Pte Cooke has been today awarded the DCM. The following figures were worked out today as being of interest
Total embarked from Egypt for the Peninsula 33 officers 885 ORs
Drafts from England 36 officers 562 ORs
Total 69 officers 1447 ORs

Sick 25 officers 477 ORs

Casualties Killed 9 officers 107 ORs
Wounded 11 officers 311 ORs
Missing 16 ORs
Died 17 ORs
Total 20 officers 451ORs

Present strength 23 officers 574 ORs”

Notes:-
Burnley Express In Memoriam for May 1916;- He was remembered by those at 3 Thurston St. (Parents later moved to 5 Thurston St?)
Joseph Riley Green was christened at St Peter’s Church on 16/3/98 the son of Watson and Agnes Green of Abbey?. His father’s occupation was twister.