7297 Pte Joseph Viles, Somerset Light Infantry

On this, the 100th anniversary of Britain's declaration of war against Germany, I commemorate here, 7297 Private Joseph Viles of the Somerset Light Infantry who died at home on the 4th August 1914. He was 27 years old, the son of Joseph and Sarah Viles, and he is buried in Bath (St James's) Cemetery.

Joseph was born in Bath and enlisted in Bath around May 1904. Soldiers Died in The Great War gives his unit as "Depot" whereas CWGC gives "1st Battalion".  The 1st Battalion was stationed in Colchester in August 1914 and would embark for France later that month, arriving at Havre on the 22nd. Joseph died in a road traffic accident when he was knocked off his bicycle. His brother Charles would also lose his life in the war. He too served with the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and he died on the 20th April 1918.

So although not a casualty as a result of enemy action, Joseph Viles bears the unhappy distinction of being the first British soldier to die after Britain went to war; the first of very, very many.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.