From the “Whitehaven News’ 27 July 1916:

Mrs. Varah, of Park Head, Egremont, has received official intimation that her husband, Joseph Varah, has been killed in action in France. Pte. Varah, who was only 27 years of age, was well known in Egremont and district. Previous to his marriage to Miss Adams (which took place five years ago) he resided at Brookside, Cleator. He joined the ‘Pals’ Battalion at the outbreak of the war, and had been on active service for ten months. Prior to enlisting he was employed by the Moss Bay Company at Clintz Quarry, and was very popular both with his employers and the men. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss.

‘Whitehaven News’ 3 August 1916:

DIED A BRAVE MAN

Mrs. Varah, Gill Cottage, St. Bees, has received the following letter from an officer of the 8th Border Regiment sympathising with her in the loss of her son, Mr. Joseph Varah, which was reported in our columns last week: July 24th 1916

“Dear Mrs. Varah,

I have seen a letter from you asking for information regarding your son, No. 8114681 Pvte. Joseph Varah. I very much regret to have to inform you that he was killed in action on July 3rd. He was a brave soldier and died a brave death. He did not suffer any pain, being killed instantly. We are all very sorry to lose him, and sympathise with you in your great loss. I trust that the great Comforter will give you strength to bear your great trial. Again extending my sympathy towards you,

I am

Yours sincerely,

T.H. Clarke, Com.S.”A” Company 8th Border Regiment “

Joseph Varrah is not listed on our Memorials, being a resident of Egremont at the time of his enlistment. His name is included on the Memorial there – Ed.