BOTTOM, Joseph Charles

Joseph, the son of William and Catherine Bottom, was a twenty six year old single man working at Inverell when he enlisted in August 1915.  He had attended School at Cooma NSW where his parents lived. At Inverell he was employed by Messrs. E. K. Pepper and Company. He was a member of the Inverell Rifle Club, Rugby Club and Golf Club and played in the Austral Band prior to the War.

As a Private with the 30th Battalion, A Company he left Australia on HMAT Beltana in November 1915. After arriving at Suez, he was eventually transferred to the 5th Division Artillery as a Gunner and then in June 1916, sent to France. Two months later he was promoted to Bombardier after his transfer to the 25th Field Artillery Brigade.  In March 1917 he was wounded in action and invalided to hospital in England with gunshot wounds to his face, neck, chest and arm.  After his return to France in April 1918, he was promoted to Corporal.  In August he was killed in action at Villers-Bretonneux and buried at Adelaide Cemetery. His few remaining personal effects, which included a damaged watch, pen knife and cigarette case, were returned to his mother.

Joseph’s brother, Leslie, served with the 1st Battalion and returned home in September 1918.

Corporal Joseph Bottom is remembered at Inverell where his name is inscribed on the WW1 Cenotaph and Honor Roll.  In 1919 a memorial tree was planted for him in Kurrajong Parade. 

Photo: Courtesy Australian War Memorial image HO5792

L to R: Corporal Leslie Bottom; Lieut. Spencer; Corporal Joseph Bottom