Date of birth:

March 13th, 1918 (Brookfields-Birmingham/West Midlands, Great Britain)

Date of death:

October 28th, 1992 (Old Yardley-Birmingham/West Midlands, Great Britain)

Service number:

5187360

Nationality:

British

Joseph John Banks was born on March 13th, 1918 in Brookfields, Birmingham as son to John Banks and Fanny Priscilla Banks nee Clark. As a child he was struck with polio and could not walk for some time. By is own perseverence he managed to regain the control of his legs. Before the Second World War het worked as a printer.

During the Second World War, Joseph Banks served with Gloucester Regiment, Royal Welch Fusiliers and Royal Signals. He was wounded in action on March 18th, 1943. Joseph Banks reached the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class.

He married Mary Rosalie Morris on August 11th, 1945. The couple have a daughter and four sons. After the Second World War, Joseph started working with The Parks Department, City of Birmingham. He was appointed Parks Policeman on August 26th, 1946. On April 27th, 1949 he transferred to The Department Enquiries Office (Parks Department) as Clerk Postal and Miscellaneous Duties. He occupied this fucntion till the 1960's when he was appointed Registrar of Burials at the Witton Cemetery, Birmingham. He became a full Member of The Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration on August 17th, 1968, keeping thisposition until his retirement.

Joseph John Banks passed away in Old yardley, Birmingham on October 28th, 1992.

Promotions:
?: Lance Corporal;
?: W / Company Sergeant Major;
?: Warrant Officer 2nd Class.

Career:
January 15th, 1940 - June 13th, 1940: Gloucester Regiment;
June 14th, 1940 - December 23rd, 1943: Royal Welch Fusiliers;
December 24th, 1943 - August 15th, 1946: Cipher Operator Royal Signals;
August 1946: The City of Birmingham Parks Department;
26 augustus 1946: Parks Policeman;
April 27th, 1949: Clerk Postal and Miscellaneous Duties, The Department Enquiries Office (Park Department);
July 1st, 1952: Formal resignation Army;
1960's: Registrar of Burials, Witton Cemetery, Birmingham;
August 17th, 1968: Full Member, The institute of Burial and Cremation Administration.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Unit:

1st Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers

Awarded on:

June 1st, 1943

Recommendation:
"During the attack of "A" Coy of this battalion on to an enemy strong point, Lance Corporal Banks displayed the utmost tenacity and outstanding leadership. One platoon which had already suffered heavy casualties was still trying to gain an entrance into the enemy stronghold, when Lance Corporal Banks' section was ordered to go to their assistance. This N.C.O. led his section into the attack and failing to make headway on the left, reformed his men and attacked again from the right. Again they met a hail of bullets, mortar bombs and grenades and began to fall back. Lance Corporal Banks, however, stood his ground and urged his men to forward once more, shouting "Come on boys, let's get them" Again the section moved forward, met the same heavy fire and stumbled. The dust and smoke obscured the scene for some moments but when it temporarily cleared Lance Corporal Banks was seen about ten yards from the post waving and shouting his men forward. They rallied and charged with the bayonet but three men fell, one being Lance Corporal Banks. Although wounded he still gave orders to his section until, finally, realising that the opposition was far too strong, he ordered the remnants of his section back. His great bravery and inspiring leadership set a wonderful example to all around him."

Recieved in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma, March 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Josephine Tombs
• - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th May 1943, Issue 36037, dated 1st June 1943
  - Congratulation Letter DCM, 31st May, 1943
  - Newspaper Article DCM Awarding
  - Service Record