More about Joseph Simmons

Joseph Simmons 3/4019   1st Black Watch

DUNDEE BLACK WATCH MAN

FALLS VICTIM TO GERMAN SNIPER.

Information has been received in Dundee of the death in action in France of Corporal J. Simmons, attached to the 1st Black Watch.

Corporal Simmons was a native of Dundee, and resided in Mains Road.  He left Dundee for Bolton, where he was employed as a tramway driver.  Mrs Simmons has received the following letter telling how her husband met his death from Captain Hay, the company commander :–

“Corporal Simmons was killed on the night of August 23-24.  My company was ordered to dig in front of our trenches, and the corporal had just taken up a spade after carrying in Pte. Caddow, who was slightly wounded in the leg, when he was shot by a sniper.  Death was instantaneous.  He re-joined the regiment only a week before from the base, because he was anxious to get back to the trenches.  I have known your husband for a long time, and he was one of the finest men I ever had the privilege to command.  He always kept up the men’s spirits, and was most enterprising whenever he was in action.  One could never wish to have a better man beside one in a tight corner.  His loss is a severe blow to the company.  He was buried at Vermelles.”

Corporal Simmons, who leaves a wife and three children, went through the Boer War, and held two medals.

Dundee Courier 8th September 1915