Rededication Ceremony – Private Joseph Foster held Sunday 6th April 2025

A rededication ceremony was held in Edgewell Old Cemetery, Prudhoe on Sunday in honour of Private Joseph Foster (1896 – 23 October 1918), who was killed in action during WWI.

Joseph Foster was born in West Wylam in 1896, the youngest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Foster. He had an elder brother, George who was born in 1876 and a sister, Maggie born in 1894.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Joseph enlisted and was assigned to the 9th Battalion of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI.)

Private Joseph Foster was killed in action on 23rd October 1918, just weeks before the signing of the Armistice that would bring an end to the hostilities. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 8 of the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, France.

The memorial in Old Edgewell Cemetery was erected by his surviving siblings in remembrance of both Joseph and their mother Elizabeth. The original memorial has been carefully removed and replaced with a new one thanks to the dedicated efforts of St Mary Magdalene Cemetery Working Group and Prudhoe Town Council, ensuring that a son of Prudhoe, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, will never be forgotten.

The ceremony was conducted by Padre Norman Dennis of The Rifles Regiment. Representatives from the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Association, The Rifles Regiment, The Durham Light Infantry Association, The Green Jackets and The Royal British Legion travelled to attend and pay tribute to Private Foster.

Mayor of Prudhoe Town Council, Councillor Angie Scott made the following opening address, “On behalf of Prudhoe Town Council, I would like to thank you for joining us today as we pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Private Joseph Foster, who gave his life in service during the First World War. Born in 1896, Private Foster answered the call of duty and served with courage and honour. On 23rd October 1918, just weeks before the Armistice, he was tragically killed in action, a young life cut short in the name of freedom and peace.

Today, we remember not only his devoted service, but also the profound loss endured by his family, his community, and the generations that have followed. We are deeply honoured to unveil this new memorial, an enduring recognition of his ultimate sacrifice. His name and legacy are forever woven into the history of Prudhoe, a lasting testament to his courage and commitment. We will remember him.”

Dedications were read by Eddie Graham of St Mary Magdalene Cemetery Working Group and the King’s Own Light Infantry, followed by a poignant reading of the ‘Canny Lads of Prudhoe’ poem by 1248 Prudhoe Squadron Air Cadets.

Standard Bearers stood behind the memorial and dipped as the Last Post was played by bugler Jonathan Miller and raised as he played Reveille, followed by wreath laying and closing prayers.

We were truly fortunate with the weather, and it was encouraging to see such a strong turnout. The presence of military veterans, serving officers, and members of the community created a moving and respectful atmosphere that reflected the significance of the occasion.

The Chapel was opened, so those visiting could see the original memorial and information relating to Joseph, there was also an opportunity for visitors to spend a moment in quiet contemplation and light a candle in memory of a loved one.

Following the ceremony a reception was held at the newly opened Prudhoe Veterans Hub, located in Prudhoe and District United Services Club. This served as a valuable opportunity to showcase the Prudhoe Veterans Hub to our visitors, further reinforcing the town’s ongoing commitment to supporting our armed forces community.

Photographs taken by Town Clerk Shirley Ann Gaut Hall