Saturday 25 April 2015

Padden, Joseph - Stoker 2nd Class

"No soldier photo available"
H.M.S. Northney, Royal Navy
Died 13 January 1945
Aged 36

Stoker Joseph Padden was accidentally drowned whilst out for a walk with a friend. The 'Haslingden Observer' states that he was "drowned at a small seaport in Scotland under circumstances impossible to clear up. Whilst his ship was making a call there, he became friendly with a man who resided there. Shortly before his ship was due to sail, both went for an evening walk. Joseph's body was recovered six weeks later, and his friend's two weeks later still. The wife of the latter expressed the conviction that, as her husband's hat was found in Joseph's hand, she was confident some accident happened and Joseph was trying to save his friend".

Joseph was one of three sons of Neil and Norah Padden. He was aged 36. He attended St.Mary's R.C. Church and School, where he played for the Church football team.

Joseph was laid to rest in Alloa (Sunnyside) Cemetery, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. (Alloa is on the east coast of Scotland, on the Firth of Forth). His grave is in Section E, Grave 122.