Joseph Augustine Morris, HMS Revenge (later HMS Redoubtable).

HMS Revenge, a pre-Dreadnought Battleship built in 1892 and renamed HMS Redoubtable in 1915, was part of the Channel Fleet 6th Battle Squadron and was first in action on 22 November 1914 when she took part in bombarding German troops whilst positioned off Nieuwpoort, Belgium. She was recalled to Dover the same day.

A local newspaper recorded that Private Morris accidentally drowned whilst boarding his vessel. He was actually reported missing from his ship on 25 November 1914 at the same time as two naval ratings. His body was recovered from Granville Dock, Dover four weeks later. The subsequent inquest could not determine an exact cause of death. Report of inquest here. He had completed 23 years service.

Born 25 October 1872 at Holyhead, the youngest son of Lewis and Agnes Morris of Holyhead. Resided at Blenheim Cottage, London Road, Holyhead with sister Agnes. He enlisted at Chatham on 2 October 1888, just before his 16th birthday. He transferred to the RM Reserve in 1911, was mobilised in 1914 and joined HMS Revenge on 26 October 1914. He was unmarried and was the younger brother of Andrew Morris and the uncle of Lewis Morris, also lost during the Great War.

Awarded the Coronation Medal in 1911.

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried at St. James Cemetery, Copt Hill, Dover, Kent. Grave location LW 19. He is also commemorated on his parent's grave at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Holyhead (here the date of death is recorded as 27 November 1914).

Grave photo from Great War Forum (JohnV).