Born at West Maitland in July 1891 to Rowland George Rose and Martha nee Watson, Joseph was the 3rd of six children.
The 30th Battalion was originally raised for service as an Australian Imperial Force (AIF) unit during the First World War, as part of the 8th Brigade. Formed in Australia in early August 1915, the battalion concentrated at Liverpool, New South Wales and drew most of its personnel from various parts of New South Wales, with a large contingent coming from Newcastle. The 30th Battalion was not formed in time to see action at Gallipoli and remained in Egypt until June 1916 when they were transferred to the European theatre along with the rest of the 5th Division.
Joseph enlisted in Newcastle on the 16th of September 1915 as part of the 4th reinforcements for the 30th Infantry Battalion. His enlistment records show his next of kin (NOK was listed as his father, Roland George Rose of 1 Louth Park Road, West Maitland). After his basic training was completed, he was promoted to Private on the 1st of January 1916.
On the 29th of February, Joseph embarked with the rest of the 4th Reinforcements aboard the HMAT (A68) Anchises at Sydney which arrived in Suez on the 15th of April 1916 having stopped at Melbourne and Adelaide for provisioning.
On the 20th of June 1916 Joseph embarked aboard the HMAT Huntsend at Alexandria and disembarking at Marseilles on the 30th of June.
The battalion’s first major action came at Fromelles on 19 July 1916 where they were initially tasked to provide a supporting role, carrying ammunition to the assault troops, but they were later committed to the fighting as the situation deteriorated for the Australians. After the battle, the 30th were employed in mainly defensive duties holding parts of the line for the rest of 1916. It was during this period on the 5th of August, Joseph was given his orders to join the 30th at the line where he arrived on the 11th of August. Sadly, PTE Rose was 25 years old when he was killed in action on the 3rd of November 1916. in France. He had no known grave.
As with most families attempting to get some closure, letters were sent in February 1917 and again in March 1920 requesting Joseph’s personal effects, however on the 6th of April 1920 a letter in response stated there were no personal effects.
