Joseph Ernest Amatt (1894–1915)

Private

Leicestershire Regiment 15653 7th Battalion

Derbyshire Courier 27 November 1915

Newspaper photo of Joseph Ernest Amatt

Biography
Joseph was born in Fritchley, although at some time before 1901 the family moved to Leicestershire. His parents were Ernest and Martha Amatt of Crich. He attested in Leicester on 14th October 1914 aged twenty, working as a “clicker”. He joined the British Expeditionary Force to France on 29th July 1915 and was killed in action in the Dardenelles four months later when he was shot by a sniper on 11th November 1915. He is buried at the Bienvillers Military Cemetery.
His photo caption in the Derbyshire Courier dated 27 November 1915 was Private E. Amatt which suggests he might have been known as Ernest rather than Joseph.

Medal Index Record
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals and recorded that he entered France 29/07/15.

Service Record
Joseph Ernest Amatt was born in Fritchley in 1894. He attested 14 October 1914 in Leicester, aged 20 years 161 days. His occupation was a clicker and his marital status given as single. He was recorded as being C of E. His height was 5ft 9½ and he weighed 138lb. He had a fresh complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. There was a large scar on the back of his right leg. Named in the record were his father, Ernest Amatt, Moorgate Street, Leicester, brother Harold and sister Elsie.
After enlisting he was posted, on 31 October1914, joining the Expeditionary Force to France on 29 July 1915. He was killed in action four months later on 11 November 1915 aged twenty-two.

Newspaper Report

Derbyshire Courier; 27 November 1915
SHOT BY A SNIPER
Former Fritchley Man Killed

News has been received by Mr Ernest Amatt, of Leicester, and formerly of Fritchley, that his son Pte. Ernest Amatt, of the 7th Leicesters, has been killed at the Dardenelles, having been shot by a sniper on 11 November. Mr Amatt and family for a number of years were resident in Fritchley. Mr Amatt Snr. being a well known local goalkeeper. Both he and his son Pte. E. Amatt were employed at Messrs. Glossop's turning mill. Ambergate. Deep sympathy is expended to Mr Amatt, who, himself, is in ill health.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Name AMATT JOSEPH ERNEST
Initials J, E.
Nationality United Kingdom
Rank Private
Regiment/Service Leicestershire Regiment
Unit 7th Bn
Date of Death 11/11/1915
Service No 15653
Additonal information Son of Mr. F. E. Amatt, of 221, Narborough Rd., Leicester
Casualty type Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference I.A. 69
Cemetery BIENVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY

War Graves certificate for Joseph Amatt WW1

Soldiers' Effects Book
Amatt John Ernest; 7/Leicesters; Pte; 7/15653; killed in action 11.11.15; war gratuity £3 10s 0d paid to father Frederick E on 15.10.19

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Park Head, Leicester

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Ernest Amott Boarder wdr 31 Wood sawyer Critch
Elsie Amott Boarder 8   Critch
Ernest Amott Boarder 6   Critch

RG13 piece 2990 folio 84 page 11

1911: Leicester

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Ernest Amatt Boarder wdr 42 Wood turner Fritchley
Elsie Amatt Boarder 19 Corsutter hosiery Fritchley
Joseph Ernest Amatt Boarder 16 Clicker Fritchley

RG14PN19181 RG78PN1150A RD407 SD1 ED17 SN235