Joseph Outram

Joseph Outram was born in Woodhouse, South Yorkshire, in 1865

On 07 April 1885 he enlisted with the 7th Dragoon Guards and he served until 06 April 1899 when he was 'de-mobbed'.

In the 1901 Census he is listed as a 'Colliery Deputy' at the Rockingham Colliery.

Like Walter Clifford and John Henry Thorne, Joseph came to fame as a member of the Tankersley Mines Rescue team that distinguished itself at the Hamstead Colliery Disaster in March 1908. For his part in that disaster, Outram was awarded the Edward Medal (Second class) and also received one of the especially minted Gold Medals, also in recognition of his work at Hamstead.

On 16 September 1914 he enlisted with the York and Lancaster Regiment as an Army reservist but was discharged on 21 November 1914 (either due to his age and/or his 'reserved' occupation?).

Joseph died on 21 February 1924. Two days later, on Saturday 23 February 1924, the Sheffield Daily Telegraph reported :-

"TRAGIC DEATH OF OWNER OF KING'S MEDAL FOR BRAVERY

A tragic discovery was made in Regent Street, Hoyland Common, Joseph Outram being found dead in a stable at the rear of his house. Outram, who was a colliery deputy employed at the Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, had got ready to go to work and went into his yard. His nephew, Albert, thought he was a long time away and went into the yard and found the stable door locked. The door was prized open and he was horrified to find his uncle hanging there, dead. Outram, who was well known, was 59 years of age and had seen much service in the army. He was one of the few men who held the King's Medal for bravery [Edward Medal] in mines and carried that distinction for gallantry in connection with the Hamstead Colliery disaster in 1908"

Joseph Outram pictured dressed to receive his Edward Medal from the King

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