MEMORIAL TO

JOHN (JOE) JOSEPH WARDLE
ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
27th August 1917 - 9th November 2000

Joe in Burma

Joe on the right with unknown friends.

 My father was in the Royal Signals and I know spent a long while in Burma , although in common with many others who were in Burma it seems, never talked about his time there. He was called up on 15^th September 1939, and  at some point he contracted malaria.

On his discharge papers it reads,

Army No 2364248, rank W/CPL, service trade OWL.

His conduct was “Exemplary”

His L. Col A. B. McVittie wrote,

“ This NCO has been noted for his devotion to duty over a long period often in very trying circumstances. His sections efficiency has been largely due to his technical knowledge and keenness.”

This was written apparently in Siam on the 13^th December 1945.

The last stamp is on the 9th May 1946.

Joe is second from the left on the back row, hands on the shoulders of the man in front. I think this was taken when he first joined up, possibly in a training camp? 

The only other details I have gleaned were in his love letters to my mother about the appalling weather and conditions, and how much he longed to be home. I still have the leather suitcase I believe he took to Burma and the folding photograph frame that held pictures of my mother. 

His wife Enid 

They were married when he was on leave in 1942, and both died in November 2000 within four days of each other. We held their joint funeral on what would have been their 58^th wedding anniversary.

Joe worked for the whole of his life with radio and television, at one stage running his own business.

They only had one child, a daughter Josephine, (me!) and  a grandson  James and granddaughter, Rosie.

I take great pride in my father’s contribution  to the war, and his quiet unassuming ways.

If anyone does remember my father, would you contact me Here please?