2nd Lieut Joseph Walter Musker

• Age: 22
• From: Bootle, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Sunday 30th July 1916
• Commemorated at: Thiepval Memorial
  Panel Ref: P&F1D8B &8 C.

The Somme battles were rich in their deeds of individual daring and gallantry. Upon that grim field the heroism of man stood forth resplendent. The deed which we are about to relate. though just one brief incident in that long and memorable chapter, illustrates the spirit in which all ranks united in the accomplishment of their grand, victorious purpose. It concerns Second-Lieutenant Joseph Walter Musker, one of the coolest officers, as he was also one of the most efficient, who fought and fell with the Liverpool "Pals".

July 30th, 1916, was the date of his death, following a number of engagements in which his battalion had done heroically. Early that morning Lieutenant Musker and his men advanced as far as possible under terrific fire, and, while proceeding to dig themselves in, a machine-gun party sought his advice as to the posting of an advanced machine-gun to cover the work of consolidation. "Joe went straight over and gave his instructions," narrates one of his colleagues. "On returning to his digging party he was the victim of a German sniper. I have it on excellent authority that he was shot through the head and died instantaneously. His junior officer has just told me that he had never thought it possible for a man to be as cool as Joe was under hellish fire." 

Colonel Cobham indeed, has testified that he was always brave and exceptionally cool, and on this occasion he displayed such conspicuous gallantry and ability that official notice would have been taken of his conduct had he survived. Such a tribute, selected from many, is an indication of his outstanding military qualities, but there are others that reveal something more of his attractive and sunny disposition. "He was a most loveable boy", wrote his Major. "He was never downhearted, but always gay and hopeful," declared a chum, who had been irresistibly attracted to him during those happy training days at Prescot, Grantham and Salisbury. From these brief extracts one can gather an idea of the magnetism which both his example and his friendship possessed.

Strange as it may seem the young officer, whose coolness had thus impressed itself on all of his superiors, and who exercised such an influence over his men that it was said that they would do anything in the world for him, was only twenty-two years of age. he was the son of Mr and Mrs Walter Musker, of 37 Merton Road, Bootle. Educated at Denstone College, he entered the offices of the Liverpool, London, Globe Insurance Company, and very creditably acquitted himself during the two years he was there before joining the army. Lord Derby's call for volunteers found him one of the first to respond. So well, moreover, did he do in the ranks whilst with the 17th Battalion that in April, 1915, he was commissioned and gazetted to the 20th Battalion-- another unit of the splendid "Pals Brigade." With the 20th he went to France in November, 1915, and served with them until he fell in action, in July, 1916.

Like the keen, healthy minded fellow he was, he had a zest for all open-air pastimes. Into his sports he brought all his typical keenness of spirit. Not only did this occur whilst he was at college--where, by the way, he was a member of the O.T.C.-- but he also took a prominent part in the annual sports connected with the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company. 

"Joe Musker", in fact was invariably amongst the successful competitors in the sprinting, swimming and tennis events, and that manliness may have accounted for much of his popularity. But a good deal of this was also due to his personal qualities. Good-natured, generous in all his thoughts and actions, and always thoughtful and loveable, he had one of those natures that attract instantaneously and irresistibly.

"My memories of Joe as a friend will always be sweet." mourned Captain Graham Carson. "I spent one of the happiest times of my life with him." Then there is the tribute of Captain R. Hamilton Laird, and this we quote at greater length: " He was with me for a long time, and he was always the same-- a cheery, willing working, most popular with officers and men and a most capable leader. He had always done well, but he excelled himself when it came to the hard times he had to go through. I am told that in the early part of July his coolness and power of controlling the men under him were splendid, and in his last fight he had so thoroughly organised the defence of his position that, after he had been hit, those that were left were able to hold on to the end of the day."

Lieutenant Musker died young, but what influence for good his short life had upon those whose fortune it was to be associated with him is clearly indicated in the quotations we have given above.

The above was taken from the Liverpool Scroll of Fame.     

Joseph Walter was born in the second quarter of 1894 at Bootle, Lancashire and was the son of Mr Walter Musker and his wife Margaret Hannah (nee Holmes) who were married on the 27th Sept 1887 at St Mary, Bootle. Walter was a 27 year old contractor of 5 Merton Rd, father, whilst Margaret was aged 25 of 22 Heiner Terrace, father Thomas.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 37 Merton Road, Bootle. Joseph shown as Walter is 7 years of age. His father also Walter is the head of the household, he was born in Bootle in 1861 and is shown as a Building Contractor, whilst his mother, Margaret was born at Rock Ferry, Cheshire in 1862. He has 4 siblings all born in Bootle; Ethel aged 12 b.1889, Mabel aged 9 b.1892, Hanley aged 5 b.1896 and Doris aged 4 b.1897. Also present in the household are Elizabeth Holmes the mother of Margaret and the grandmother of the children. There are also two servants in the household, Margaret Mellon aged 22 and Jane Benbow aged 30. 

He had been educated at Bootle Secondary School before attending Denstone College. 

The 1911 Census finds Joseph 17, and Hanley, 14, are students, boarding at Denstone College, Staffordshire. His parents and sisters are still at 37 Merton Road.

He also lived for a time at ’Rest Cottage ‘, Upper Colwyn Bay North Wales, which was his parents’ retirement home. 

After his employment at The London & Globe Insurance Company, he moved to The Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Company.

He enlisted in Liverpool joining the 17th Battalion before earning a commission that saw him transfer to the 20th Battalion (London Gazette 08/06/1915, effective 5th April 1915). He served overseas from 07th November 1916. He is first mentioned in the 20th Battalion War Diary on 04th July 1916, when he was in Command of 40 men garrisoning the newly captured Briqueterie, in front of Montauban.

He was killed in action on the 30^th July 1916, aged 22, at the village of Guillemont, France, during the Somme Offensive.

Details of his own actions on that day are as follows:

Musker moved forward on schedule with his men, and just after 10.00am an untimed message was received to the effect that had just over a Company under his command, he wasn't in touch with anyone else, and the Germans were enfilading his left flank with machine-gun fire. At about 11.30 am another untimed message was received from him much to the same effect, except by this time the enemy machine gun had caused about thirty casualties. Nothing further was heard from him, and all attempts to reach his party failed. It is presumed that at the time, he and his men were in the open, having crossed the first line of the German Maltz Horn Trench System.

Whilst digging in to consolidate the ground won, Musker was advised on the siting of a defensive machine gun, and left his own digging party. On his return he was shot through the head by a German Sniper, dying instantly. The survivors from his party held the ground all day until they were relieved at 21.30, that night.

The 20^th King’s Battalion Diary records:

“At 4.45am prompt the attack was launched. Unfortunately, a thick mist prevailed and it was impossible to see more than 10 yards ahead. This continued until about 6 o’clock when it lifted slightly, but it was still too hazy and impossible to see what was happening 100 yards ahead. This being so, it was not surprising to find that the attacking waves were experiencing great difficulty in maintaining connection.”

At 6am, Lt. RE Melly, No.1 Company, reported that his men had taken the German Maltz Horn trench.

At 6.30am, 2/Lt. CP Moore reported that he had 150 men, 4 Stokes Mortars and 2 Lewis Guns, but he was the only officer. He also said that due to the fog, both his “flanks were in the air” i.e. he was not in contact with neighbouring troops.

At 9.10am, Moore was still not in contact at his flanks, and now he had only 75 men, he had sent out 2 patrols and neither not returned. Later Moore established communication with the French on his right.

Around 10.00am, 2/Lt Musker reported that he had just over a company with him, but his left flank was suffering from German machine gun fire. Later he reported that he had over 30 casualties from the machine gun fire. His flanks were also “in the air”. No contact was made with this party until the remnants returned around 9.30pm, all runners sent were killed or missing. The War Diary states that this group had: ”held the ground won all day, and this permitted the consolidation of the ground won on the Maltz Horn ridge with little interference from the enemy”.

Relief for 20/Kings had been planned for 11.00pm, but it was 5.00am on the 31st July before it took place, ending a tragic day for the Liverpool Pals.

Casualties for 20^th Battalion were 16 Officers and 357 Other Ranks

When darkness fell on the battlefield the 30^th Division held a line from the railway on the eastern side of Trones Wood , southwards and including Arrow Head Copse, to east of Maltz Horn Farm. On this line the division was relieved by the 55^th Division during the early hours of the 31^st July. 

The events of 30^th July 1916 were regarded at the time as Liverpool’s blackest day. There follows an extract from The History of the 89^th Brigade written by Brigadier General Ferdinand Stanley which gives an indication of the events of the day.

Guillemont

Well the hour to advance came, and of all bad luck in the world it was a thick fog; so thick that you couldn’t see more than about ten yards. It was next to impossible to delay the attack – it was much too big an operation- so forward they had to go. It will give some idea when I say that on one flank we had to go 1,750 yards over big rolling country. Everyone knows what it is like to cross enclosed country which you know really well in a fog and how easy it is to lose your way. Therefore, imagine these rolling hills, with no landmarks and absolutely unknown to anyone. Is it surprising that people lost their way and lost touch with those next to them? As a matter of fact, it was wonderful the way in which many men found their way right to the place we wanted to get to. But as a connected attack it was impossible.

The fog was intense it was practically impossible to keep direction and parties got split up. Owing to the heavy shelling all the Bosches had left their main trenches and were lying out in the open with snipers and machine guns in shell holes, so of course our fellows were the most easy prey.

It is so awfully sad now going about and finding so many splendid fellows gone.

His death was reported in an article in the Bootle Times which also dealt with the death of Captain Wallace Fraser on the same day.

SONS OF BOOTLE COUNCILLORS AND FORMER MAGISTRATES FALL IN ACTION.

It is this week our sad duty to record the death of two young officers, Captain Wallace Fraser and Lieut. J.W. Musker, who were well known in the borough, and who, at the call of duty, cheerfully relinquished callings in which they seem destined to achieve success, and have finally yielded up their lives in the cause of freedom.
Second-Lieut, Joseph W. Musker, of the Liverpool Pals, who was killed in action on the same date, was the eldest son of Councillor and Mrs. Walter Musker, of 37, Merton-road, Bootle. He was 22 years of age, and was educated at Bootle Secondary School and Denstone College. When war broke out he was with the Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Co., but joined the "Pals" immediately following their formation. He had been at the front for a considerable time, and went through practically the whole of the Big Push. Lieut. Musker was a young man of sterling worth and attractive personality, and the deep sympathy of all who knew him will be extended to the bereaved parents. "Always brave and exceptionally cool," wrote his colonel to Mr. and Mrs. Musker, "on this day he displayed conspicuous gallantry and ability, and his conduct would have been brought to notice had he survived. He was beloved by all ranks, officers and men alike." Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Musker is a lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers. (Bootle Times 11/8/16).   

Walter's body was not recovered or was subsequently lost as he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.

The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. 

On 01st August 1932 the Prince of Wales and the President of France inaugurated the Thiepval Memorial in Picardy. The inscription reads: “Here are recorded the names of officers and men of the British Armies who fell on the Somme battlefields between July 1915 and March 1918 but to whom the fortune of war denied the known and honoured burial given to their comrades in death.” 

Probate 1916:- 

MUSKER Joseph Walter of 37 Merton Road, Bootle Lancashire second lieutenant 20th Battalion K.L.R. died 30 July 1916 in France Administration Liverpool 2 November to Walter Musker contractor. Effects £148 2s 9d.  

His brother 2/Lt John Henry Musker 3/Cheshire Regt. married Emily Marguerite Tucker on the 08th October 1917 at St Athanasius, Kirkdale. Shortly after his return to the front he was sadly killed in action on 01st November 1917.  

Jack like his brother, Wlater, has no known grave and is comemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. 

On his first anniversary his wife and brother in law posted In Mmeorium notices in the Liverpool Echo on 01st November 1918: 

MUSKER—In loving memory of brother-in-law, JACK, killed in action, November 1, 1917. (Until the day dawns.). - Deeply regretted at “Holwen,” Knoclaid-road, Clubmoor.  

MUSKER—In loving and affectionate remembrance of my dear husband, JACK (second-lieutenant, J. H. Musker), Cheshire Regiment (late “Pals”), killed in action, November 1, 1917.  

A life laid down,  

For the love of God, country, and King. 

A rift in life, no other life can fill,  

And love seems left,  

Uncomforted, to suffer, and be still.  

—Very sadly missed by Emily. 

Soldiers Effects for Walter  of over £80 were sent to his father Walter senior, no Pension record found. 

Joseph Walter is also remembered on the following Memorials:

Bootle Civic War Memorial

Bootle Secondary School WW1 Roll Of Honour, Netherton Merseyside

Liverpool’s Hall of Remembrance, Panel 23

Denstone College Memorial, Staffordshire

His brother Hanley served in the Lancashire Fusiliers, was wounded at the Somme and won the Military Cross.  He survived the war as a captain in the 19th Battalion K.L.R.

On the 1921 Census his parents had moved to Llandrillo Yn Rhos, Conway. 

Margaret Hannah, Musker, 1861, Rock Ferry, Cheshire, England, Llandrillo Yn Rhos, Conway, Caernarvonshire, Denbighshire,  

Walter, Musker, 1860, Bootle, Lancashire, England, Llandrillo Yn Rhos, Conway, Caernarvonshire, Denbighshire, 

On the 1939 Register his mother Margaret, date of birth 13th November 1861, is residing at the Upper Colwyn Rest Cottage, Colwyn Bay.  

His father died, aged 61, in 1922 in Conway, and his mother died, aged 86, in 1948 in Aled, Denbigh. 

We currently have no further information on Joseph Walter Musker, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.