Trafford

Born during the March quarter 1870 in the Nantwich R.D. - ref: 8a/310, the
son of John & Sarah Dykes (nee Unsworth).   Baptised at Wybunbury, Cheshire
on the 20th February 1870.   Son of John (Shoemaker) & Sarah Dykes

1871 Census - London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire.    Son - aged: 1 -
Scholar - born: Stapeley, Cheshire.   Head of household - John Dykes -
Married - aged: 34 - occ: Shoemaker - born: Stapeley, Cheshire.   Also -
Sarah Dykes - Wife - aged: 32 - born: Checkley, Cheshire.   Plus 3 Elder
siblings, 2 apprentice Shoemakers and 1 boarder.

1881 Census - London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire.    Son - aged: 11
- Scholar - born: Stapeley, Cheshire.   Head of household - John Dykes -
Married - aged: 34 [44?] - occ: Farmer of 19 acres - born: Stapeley,
Cheshire.   Also - Sarah Dykes - Wife - aged: 33 [43?] - born: Checkley,
Cheshire.   Plus 5 siblings.

1891 Census - London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire.    Son - aged: 21
- occ: Agricultural Labourer - born: Stapeley, Cheshire.   Head of
household - John Dykes - Married - aged: 54 - occ: Tax & Rate Collector -
born: Stapeley, Cheshire.   Also - Sarah Dykes - Wife - aged: 53 - born:
Checkley, Cheshire.   Plus 4 siblings.

1901 Census - London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire.    Son - aged: 31
- occ: Tax Collector & Assistant Overseer - born: Stapeley, Cheshire.  
Head of household - John Dykes - Widow - aged: 63 - occ: Farmer - born:
Stapeley, Cheshire.    Plus 3 siblings and 1 nephew.

He was a Lance Corporal and had served for 17 years, 270 days in the 16th
Bn. Queen's Lancers Service No. 4316.   He was given a free discharge at
Ballincollig on the 13th November 1903.  He was aged: 36, 9 months.   His
height was 5 feet 7 1/2 inches.  Expanded chest measurement - 38 inches.  
Complexion - Fresh.  Eyes - Grey.   Hair - Red.  Occupation - Farm
Labourer.   His intended residence on discharge was 7 Mitford Street,
Stretford.   His conduct was - Fair, but had received three Good Conduct
Badges and he was recorded as being a Musician.

Married Jessie Barber at St. Matthew's P.C. on the 29th August 1908, the
marriage being registered during the September quarter 1908 in the Barton
upon Irwell R.D. - ref: 8c/1230.

1911 Census - 1 Dewhurst Cottages, Chester Road, Stretford.    Head of
household - Married - aged: 42 - occ: Labourer - born; Wrenbury [???],
Cheshire.    Also - Jessie Dykes - Wife - aged: 37 - born: Stretford.  
Plus their daughter - May Dykes - aged: 6 months - born: Stretford on the
22nd October 1910.

Joseph Dykes had been a Warehouseman for Stretford Council when he enlisted
for Home Service as a Bandsman in the Depot of 1st Battalion at Ashton
under Lyne on the 10th May 1915.  At enlistment he was aged: 47 and
employed as a Farm Labourer.   He had previously served 16 years in the
Queens Lancers.   He served in the Depot Band was given a SWB on the 16th
May 1917.   He was discharged unfit on the 20th January 1917 and awarded a
pension for life of 11d per day, in addition to his Disability Pension.

He was suffering from Chronic Fibroid Pneumonia that had originated in
April 1916 at Ashton under Lyne.  It commenced with a troublesome cough and
shortage of breath.   He also had Haemoptysis while playing a brass
instrument in band.   No T.B. in sputum, but had harsh breathing symptoms
of chronic bronchitis and facial neuralgia.   Not a result of, but
aggravated by military service.

Death registered during the March quarter 1920 in the Barton upon Irwell
R.D. - ref: 8c/767.

Commemorated on the family gravestone.  This states that he was a bandsman
serving with the 1st Bn Manchester Rgt.   Buried on the 16th January 1920. 
Burial No. 8911.

CWGC - Husband of Jessie Dykes of Stretford.

Pension records - Dependant - Jessie Dykes, 1 Dewhurst Cottages, Stretford.
  Awarded a grant of £6 on the 1st April 1920.   Awarded a weekly pension
of £1. 6. 8d widow's pension and 10/- allowance for their daughter w.e.f.
the 20th September 1920.