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| Date |
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| 12/05/2020 |
01255 |
| 15/03/2017 |
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| 15/03/2017 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 29th November 1917: Officers Mentioned in Despatches |
| 15/03/2017 |
Last night’s London Gazette contained a despatch from Lieutenant General G F Milne, C.B, D.S.O., Commander in Chief of the British Salonika Force, submitting a list of officers and men whose services he brings to notice for gallant conduct and distinguished services rendered during the six months ended 25th October last. Amongst those mentioned are: Royal Flying Corps – Lieutenant J L Bamford, General List, son of Mr Joseph Bamford, J.P., Kilrea. This officer was killed in action on 20th August last. |
| 07/03/2017 |
Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, previously reported missing, believed killed, is now officially returned as killed in action on the 20th August. He was the only son of Mr Joseph Bamford J.P., Kilrea. |
| 07/03/2017 |
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| 07/03/2017 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 7th September 1917: |
| 23/02/2017 |
Second Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr Joseph Bamford J.P., The Arcade, Kilrea. Before joining the colours, Lieutenant Bamford was on the staff of J B Ferguson Ltd, the well-known Belfast firm of automobile engineers. He entered Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron in January 1915 and served with that unit in France and Belgium. He afterwards attained a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, and later transferred to the General List for service with the Royal Flying Corps. He was recently awarded the Croix de Guerre by the President of the French Republic. |
| 23/02/2017 |
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| 23/02/2017 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 23rd July 1917: |
| 27/01/2017 |
Second Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, General List, Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr Joseph Bamford J.P., The Arcade, Kilrea, County Derry, the Croix de Guerre. |
| 27/01/2017 |
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| 27/01/2017 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 2nd May 1917: |
| 23/01/2017 |
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| 23/01/2017 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 27th April 1917: Belfast Firm’s Record |
| 23/01/2017 |
It is interesting to note that J L Bamford, who, as reported in our issue yesterday’s date, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre by the President of the French Republic, was previous to joining the colours on the staff of Messrs J B Ferguson Ltd, the well-known firm of automotive engineers in Chichester Street. This is the third member of this firm’s staff to be decorated, Lieutenant A G Smyth and Noel Dawson having each been awarded the Military Cross for deeds of gallantry within the past few months. |
| 19/04/2016 |
‘I fell like a stone in a spinning nose dive for about 6,000 feet and, having to hold on with both hands, I could not get my engine shut off. Eventually I managed to do it and the machine then turned upside down and started gliding at a more respectable pace, I being held in by my belt, which did its duty nobly. I had a vertical gun going straight up above my head (and in this instance it was pointing straight down) which I thought would be better out of the way when I hit, so I undid the fastenings and let it drop overboard. It was a jolly good thing that I did, as the mounts were knocked to bits. The only control I had was lateral, viz., making one wing go up and the other down, and just before I hit I yanked it right over and I made the right wing strike the ground first, breaking the fall considerably. I was a bit shaken up but was not by any means insensible". |
| 19/04/2016 |
"It is with great grief that I write you about the death of your son. He was killed in an air fight on 20th August. He was fighting one Hun when another came up behind, and then, of course, it was all up. He must have been killed instantly, for his machine came down entirely out of control. They fought at 12,000 feet, and he fell in the Hun lines. He has already been avenged, as we brought three of them down yesterday. He died as I know he would have wished, swiftly and fighting as only brave men can fight. He was a star pilot and fully recognised as such by his comrades. I who have lived in a world of men and women would die happy tomorrow did I think that words of regret should be said and spoken of me as they have been of your son. Spontaneous and whole-hearted as they have been, I have seldom heard their equal. All of us who knew him extend to you our heartfelt sympathy, for deeply do we feel the loss. Your son was a cheery and sincere friend and a great and gallant soldier." |
| 19/04/2016 |
Another officer writes: |
| 19/04/2016 |
‘He, together with another pilot, each on single-seater scout machines, escorting a bombing formation to (Prilep). On the return journey our machines were attacked by a considerably numerical superiority of the enemy. Your son fought brilliantly for a long time, guarding the rear of the formation, on several occasions helping other of our machines out of extremely tight corners. In the course of one of his engagements he had obtained position behind an enemy machine and was firing at it, and would undoubtedly have brought it down in a few seconds, when another hostile scout dived on him from a considerable height, firing as he came down. Your son's machine was seen immediately to fall completely out of control, giving the impression that its pilot had been killed. This machine fell thus until it reached ground, and on the morning of the 21st we received confirmation of his death from two captured German aviators. I cannot say how deeply I sympathise with you in your loss of so fine a son. He was known to me personally, and apart from his exceptional skill as a pilot and extreme courage, his bright personality and keenness for his work had made him one of the most popular pilots in the squadron. His loss has been greatly felt and will be for a long time." |
| 19/04/2016 |
Major J H Herring (No. 47 Squadron), his Commanding Officer records the circumstances of Lieutenant Bamford's death as follows: |
| 19/04/2016 |
Prior to the war, Joe worked for the well-known automobile engineers, Messrs J B Ferguson Ltd, Chichester Street, Belfast. |
| 19/04/2016 |
On 20th August 1917, Joe was reported as missing, believed killed. Newspaper reports that there was no doubt about his death. |
| 19/04/2016 |
Joe was also 'mentioned in dispatches' by Lieutenant-General G F Milne CB, DSO, Commander-in-Chief of the British Salonika Army. A 2nd 'mentioned in dispatches' is also recorded. |
| 19/04/2016 |
The accident was reported in the Coleraine Chronicle in April 1917 together with his decoration by the French government of the Croix de Guerre: |
| 19/04/2016 |
The official accident report records that the 'crash caused the fuselage to break off, went down, spinning nose dive and glided upside down. Machine finally fell on starboard wing'. |
| 19/04/2016 |
2nd Lieutenant Bamford adds that the luck which he had could be judged from the fact that the only thing on the machine worth saving after the crash were two instruments. He hoped soon to be back at the aerodrome, as he felt none the worse for his experience, which had not hurt his nerves a bit. The fellow in the other machine was all right, his plane having escaped with slight damage. They shook hands afterwards and congratulated each other that their respective Guardian Angels were abroad. On the day before the accident, 2nd Lieutenant Bamford drove a Hun airman down in his own lines. |
| 19/04/2016 |
Another officer writes: |
| 19/04/2016 |
He recuperated in Egypt having, to use his own words, escaped ‘with a view bruises and two splendid black eyes.’ After remarking that in the collision the tail had been cut off his machine, the intrepid young airman describes his thrilling experience thus: |
| 19/04/2016 |
Later in 1917, Lieutenant Bamford was posted to Salonika, Greece. During his short service in Greece, Joe escaped from death despite a mid-air collision at 11,000 feet. |
| 19/04/2016 |
In August 1917, Joseph Bamford was promotion to Lieutenant. |
| 19/04/2016 |
During 1916 he served with 5 Reserve Squadron, RFC in Warwickshire. |
| 19/04/2016 |
Joseph gained a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers and was later transferred to the General List for service in the Royal Flying Corps (R.F.C.). He gained his 'wings' in August 1915. |
| 19/04/2016 |
"We all miss him greatly, as everyone who knew him loved him not only for his gallantry as a pilot, but for his delightful personality. I feel that I have lost a friend. It is all too sad that so valuable a life should have been sacrificed, and I do most sincerely grieve for you in this terrible sorrow." |
| 19/04/2016 |
Joseph Bamford enlisted in 1914. He left for France on 29th December 1914. |
| 19/04/2016 |
The President of the French Republic has, with the approval of his Majesty the King, bestowed the Croix de Guerre upon S2nd Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, Royal Flying Corps (son of Mr Joseph Bamford J.P., The Arcade, Kilrea), in recognition of his distinguished service during the war The gallant young officer joined Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron in January 1915 and served with it in France and Belgium. He then received a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (R.F.C.) and gained his wings in August last year. In the beginning of September he was sent to Salonika, where he has been on active service since. |
| 19/04/2016 |
The 1911 census lists Joseph Lamont as age 17 living with the family at house 42 in Maghera Street, Kilrea. Both parents are listed as being Merchant Woollen Drapers. None of the children are listed as having occupations, so it may be assumed they were all working for their parents. |
| 19/04/2016 |
The 1901 census lists Joseph Lamont as age 7 living with the family at house 59 in Maghera Street, Kilrea, County Londonderry. The family had a drapers shop in Kilrea. |
| 19/04/2016 |
Known family: Joseph Bamford, Margaret Bamford, Marianne Browne Stevens Bamford (born 30th April 1885), Hannah Bamford (born 15th April 1887), Ethel Rachel Bamford (born 30th November 1889), Margaret Bamford (born 7th November 1891), Joseph Lamont Bamford (born 5th January 1894). |
| 19/04/2016 |
Joseph Lamont Bamford was born on 5th January 1894 in Kilrea. He was the only son and youngest of five children. |
| 19/04/2016 |
Joseph Bamford was the son of Joseph and Margaret Bamford. Joseph Bamford and Margaret Hazlett were married on 1st November 1883 in the district of Coleraine. |
| 19/04/2016 |
He was posted to Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron and served with that unit in France and Belgium. |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
Son of Mr Joseph Bamford, J.P., Kilrea, who has been attached to the Royal Flying Corps since April, has now been transferred to that Corps and gazetted a flying officer (London Gazette, 5th August) to date from 18th July. Before obtaining his commission in January, Lieutenant Bamford had six months service in Belgium with the naval armoured motor cars. |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
From The Coleraine Chronicle dated August 1916: Second Lieutenant J L Bamford |
| 19/04/2016 |
Second Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, who has been awarded the Croix de Guerre by the President of the French Republic, is son of Mr Joseph Bamford J.P., The Arcade, Kilrea. This officer joined Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron in January 1915 and served with it in France and Belgium. He then received a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and gained his wings in August 1915. In the beginning of September he was sent to Salonika, where he has been on active service since. Since receiving the French honour, Second Lieutenant Bamford has had a marvellous escape from death through another aeroplane crashing into his at an altitude of 11,000 feet and sending it to earth. He is now recuperating in Egypt, having in his own words, ‘escaped with a few bruises and two splendid black eyes’. |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 26th April 1917: French Honour for Airman – Lieutenant J L Bamford’s Narrow Escape |
| 19/04/2016 |
Another officer writes: ‘We all miss him greatly, as everyone who knew him loved him not only for his gallantry as a pilot, but for his delightful personality. I feel that I have lost a friend. It is all too sad that so valuable a life should have been sacrificed, and I do most sincerely grieve for you in this terrible sorrow.’ |
| 19/04/2016 |
Another officer writes: ‘It is with great grief that I write you about the death of your son. He was killed in an air fight on 20th August. He was fighting one Hun when another came up behind, and then, of course, it was all up. He must have been killed instantly, for his machine came down entirely out of control. They fought at 12,000 feet, and he fell in the Hun lines. He has already been avenged, as we brought three of them down yesterday. He died as I know he would have wished, swiftly and fighting as only brave men can fight. He was a star pilot and fully recognised as such by his comrades. I who have lived in a world of men and women would die happy tomorrow did I think that words of regret should be said and spoken of me as they have been of your son. Spontaneous and whole-hearted as they have been, I have seldom heard their equal. All of us who knew him extend to you our heartfelt sympathy, for deeply do we feel the loss. Your son was a cheery and sincere friend and a great and gallant soldier.’ |
| 19/04/2016 |
Details are now to hand regarding the circumstances under which Lieutenant Joseph Lamont Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, was killed in action. Major J H Herring, his commanding officer, writing to Mr Joseph Bamford, J.P., Kilrea, on the death of his son, was shot down over enemy lines on the 20th August states:- ‘I regret to inform you that your son was shot down over enemy lines on 20th August, and that there remains no doubt as to his death. The circumstances were as follows: He, together with another pilot, each on single-seater scout machines, escorted a bombing formation to (Prilep). On the return journey our machines were attacked by a considerably numerical superiority of the enemy. Your son fought brilliantly for a long time, guarding the rear of the formation, on several occasions helping other of our machines out of extremely tight corners. In the course of one of his engagements he had obtained position behind an enemy machine and was firing at it, and would undoubtedly have brought it down in a few seconds, when another hostile scout dived on him from a considerable height, firing as he came down. Your son's machine was seen immediately to fall completely out of control, giving the impression that its pilot had been killed. This machine fell thus until it reached ground, and on the morning of the 21st we received confirmation of his death from two captured German aviators. I cannot say how deeply I sympathise with you in your loss of so fine a son. He was well-known to me personally, and apart from his exceptional skill as a pilot and extreme courage, his bright personality and keenness for his work had made him one of the most popular pilots in the squadron. His loss has been greatly felt and will be for a long time.’ |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
From the Coleraine Chronicle dated April 1917: French Decoration for Kilrea Flying Officer – A Marvellous Escape from Death |
| 19/04/2016 |
The sorrowful intimation has been received by Mr and Mrs Joseph Bamford, Kilrea, that their only son, Second Lieutenant Joseph Lamont Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, was killed on 20th August. The gallant young officer, who was aged 23 years, had previously been reported missing, believed killed. Wherever he was known, the news of Second Lieutenant Bamford’s death has evoked the most sincere regret, and there is a deep sympathy with Mr and Mrs Bamford in their heavy bereavement. He was beloved and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact for his gentlemanly characteristics, and gained notable distinction in the service of the empire by his gallantry and fearlessness in the discharge of duty. His deplorable death has terminated a young life that was full of promise in every way. In January 1915, Second Lieutenant Bamford joined Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron and served with him in France and Belgium. He then received a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and gained his wings in August 1916. In the beginning of September 1916 he went to Salonika, and early in the present year he received from the President of the French Republic, with the approval of his Majesty the King, the Croix de Guerre in recognition of his distinguished service during the war. A short time later he had a marvellous escape from death through another aeroplane crashing into his at an altitude of 11,000 feet and sending it to earth. The intrepid young airman escaped on that occasion with a view bruises, although his machine was dashed to pieces. He had been mentioned in despatches. |
| 19/04/2016 |
As Lieutenant Bamford’s plane fell behind enemy lines, he was buried by the Germans in the Topolcani German Cemetery, Macedonia. |
| 19/04/2016 |
From the Coleraine Chronicle dated 8th September 1917: Kilrea Flying Officer’s Death |
| 19/04/2016 |
Lieutenant Joseph L Bamford, Royal Flying Corps, reported from Salonika as missing believed killed, on 20th august, is a son of Mr Joseph Bamford, J.P., the Arcade, Kilrea, County Derry. This officer joined Commander Locker-Lampson's Armoured Car Squadron in January 1915, and served with that unit in France and Belgium. He then received a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, and was shortly afterwards transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and gained his wings in August 1916. He went to Salonika about a year ago, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the President of the French Republic, in addition to being mentioned in despatches by Lieutenant General G F Milne, C.B., D.S.O., Commander in Chief of the British Salonika Army. Early in the present year he had a narrow escape from death through colliding in the air with another machine. On that occasion his aeroplane fell a distance of 11,000 feet. Before joining the colours, Lieutenant Bamford was on the staff of J.B. Ferguson Ltd, the well-known firm of automobile engineers, Chichester Street, Belfast. |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 3rd September 1917: Derry Airman in Casualty List: Losses in the Ranks |
| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
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| 19/04/2016 |
The CWCG record Lieutenant Joseph Lamont Bamford as been awarded the Croix de Guerre with palms (France). He is also recorded as the son of Joseph and Margaret Bamford (nee Hazlett), of Main Street, Portrush, County Antrim. |
| 19/04/2016 |
In addition to the French Croix de Guerre with Palm '1914 1916', he was also awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War and Victory Medals. Sadly this scarce medal group was auctioned in 1992, realising £396. |
| 19/04/2016 |
He is also remembered on the Kilrea War Memorial, the family gravestone in Kilrea First Presbyterian Church and in Balmoral Golf Club. |
| 19/04/2016 |
In 1921, his body was later exhumed and reburied in the Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery, Greece. |
| 19/04/2016 |
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 1st October 1917: Airman falls 12,000, feet – Gallant Kilrea Officer’s Death |
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