23rd March, 2016 is the 70th Anniversary of the death of Private Joseph Hughes, R.A.S.C.
A Gorbals resident and only nineteen years old, Private Joseph Hughes was stationed at Lymun Barracks in Hong Kong where he was involved in clearing the aftermath of the war, including landmines. He was driving a 3 ton vehicle carrying ammunition and explosives into the magazine area at the Barracks. As the vehicle was entering the storage area, it started to smoulder and caught fire.
Knowing full well that his truck could explode at any moment, Joseph did everything in his power to put out the fire, firstly by trying to remove the burning camouflage netting, then by using fire extinguishers. Unfortunately the truck blew up and two days later Joseph died of his injuries.
Joseph was subsequently awarded the George Cross for gallantry and is remembered by those in his regiment and the Hong Kong holiday village which is now situated where Lymun barracks used to be. Here in Glasgow and the Gorbals area in particular few had heard of Joseph and his heroism.
A plaque containing a replica of the George Cross medal awarded to Joseph Hughes, and a brief summary of his bravery (including photograph) is now hanging inside the entrance (to the right) of the St. Francis Centre, 405 Cumberland Street in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. It is fitting that this should be in the area where Joseph was born and will be a place that people can pay their respects to a brave young soldier who gave his life for so many others. This was made possible by the efforts to have him remembered by Joseph's cousin Irene Finn and with the help of Glasgow City Councillor James Mutter (HUTCHESONTOWN WARD 66) and Mr George Donnachie of the RASC/RCT Association.

Today 23rd March 2016 on the 70th Anniversary of Joseph's death, a service was again held in the St Francis Centre, attended by the Lord Provost of Glasgow Sadie Docherty; Major A McArthur TD. and Joseph's family. This service was once more made possible by the wishes of Joseph’s cousin Irene Finn.

The following poem was written by Elsa Beattie and read via CD at the service by Pipe Major John Barr over music composed by Pipe Major Pat Lee of Stamford.

JOSEPH HUGHES – (GEORGE CROSS)
(FOR A HERO WAS HE)

Joseph Hughes gave his life
For his Service Corps ‘Brothers’
His the ultimate price
To save so many others.

Just a lad from the Gorbals
How proud we should be
Of that brave young soldier
For a hero was he.

His fear and his pain
We can only surmise
How he must have suffered
In his sacrifice.

With esteem his name spoken
As it always will be
By his comrades-in-arms
Of the R. A.S. C.

In death then young Joseph
His actions rewarded
For his gallantry
A George Cross awarded.

His body lies cold
Far away, in the earth
But let’s bring his soul home
To the place of his birth.

Each act of remembrance
Brings Joseph back home
To the land of his fathers
His spirit will come.

So let’s always remember
With a thought, or a prayer
Joseph Hughes from the Gorbals
And his courage so rare.


© ELSA J BEATTIE


Attachments:
File comment: Added by thegorbals admin. Hear the poem read by Piper John Barr with music composed by Pipe Major Pat Lee of Stamford

[ Play Quicktime file ] Joseph Hughes George Cross (For a Hero was he) Mark 2.mov [ 809.97 KiB | Viewed 823 times ]

What a couragous young man he was. Not a thought of himself but only concerned about the other people around him. Who would expect anything less from a real Gorbals born and bred fellow.
May he rest in peace.