HUSBAND Joseph Sim Major

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: HUSBAND;

Forename(s): Joseph Sim;

Initials: JS;

Rank: Major;

Enlistment Date: 28-Nov-1914;

Previous Battalion: 11 of;

Previous Regiment: Gordon H;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 49 Bn;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 195 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 59 Bn;

Date abroad: 08-Jul-1915;

Theatre of War: 1;

How killed: DOW;

Where: France;

When killed: 11-Apr-1918;

Awarded: MID;

Other Data: Roll of Honour, Vol II, Sect 2, p 90 - Portrait: son of Arthur Scott Husband of Alorgajah, Leve, Fife, by his wife, Agnes Barbara, d. of John Sim; born Dundee 18/7/1888;educ Grove Academy, Broughty Ferry & Edinburgh Univ, wher he graduated MA, with Hons in English & History; subs became English Master at Kirkaldy High School; enlisted 11 Gordons 28/11/14, gazetted 2 Lt, 10 Bn 11/2/15, prom. Lt 25 Sept and Capt. Dec 1916. Served BEF in F&F from 8/7/15 took part in several engagements and several times acted as a volunteer for special night work. In June 1916, recalled UK to receive training at the MG school,Grantham. On completion, having been first in the examination, sent back to France in Dec 1916, att 195 Coy MGC; in 1917 was CO of 148 Coy; took part in battle ofPasschendaele and through his influence and effort at that time, the MGC which formerly had merely been attached to other regiments, was formed into battalions and now forms a unit by itself. By April 1918 was acting Major, but was not gazetted until 20 April - nine days after his death. On the evening of 10/4/18, Maj Husband went out with a company of men and one Lieut to try to capture a farm nr Papot which the Germans had taken possession of and from which they were doing a great deal of damage to the British troops with their MGs. The expedition was successful but during the taking of it, Maj Husband was shot through the chest and died from his wounds at the RAMC Dressing Stn, Pont d'Achelles, in the early hours of the 11th. Buried by the side of this little dressing station the same day. He was MID (LG 1/1/16) by Field Marshal Sir John French for special work in the field, when, with a Captain, he went through the lines of barbed wire and right up to the German trenches to secure valuable information. The enemy opened fire and the Captain was wounded, but Major (the 2Lt) Husband assisted him back to their own lines and delivered their report. He was also MID for gallant and distinguished service in the field at the battle of Loos and again during the battle of Passchendaele by FM Sir Douglas Haig. Capt Husband was an ardent student of moral philosophy, and took a keen interest in the YMCA, being secretary to the local branch. His only recreation was golfing. Unmarried.

War Diary 148 Coy 1/8/1917 arrived in Coy to Command
War Diary 49 Bn 11/4/1918:…."it was during this advance that Capt Husband commanding "C" Coy was mortally wounded…."
photo: GS Archives;

Other Notes: HUSBAND, Major, JOSEPH SIM, Twice Mentioned in Despatches, "C" Coy. 59th Bn. Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action 11th April 1918. Age 29. Son of Arthur Scott Husband and Agnes Barbara Sim Husband, of 147, Logan St., St. Lambert, P.Q., Canada. M.A. Hons. Native of Dundee. Scotland. II. G. 2. Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe - Nord, France.
MID: LG 25/5/1919 - NB: serving with 49 Bn not 59 Bn (war diary);

Is photo available? Yes, see VMGCRA Patreon

END OF RECORD.

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.