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MM, 307334, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
Noah Talbot was born in Ossett in early 1893, the second surviving child, and only son of coal miner John Talbot and his wife Mary (nee Hall) who were married in 1890. The couple had nine children but tragically, they had lost seven of those children before April 1911.
In 1901 and 1911 the family were living on South Parade, Ossett and John Talbot was working the local Roundwood Pit. He was joined there by his son by 1911 when Noah was then 17 years of age.
Noah Talbot’s army service record has not survived, but his medal card records his service number as 307334 and that he was awarded the British and Victory medals, but not the 1914/15 Star, indicating that he did not serve overseas before the 31st December 1915. In common with many others his award of the Military Medal is not recorded on his medal card.
On the 30th June 1934, at South Ossett Christ Church, Noah, aged 40 years, of 7, Fawcett’s Fold, Ossett, married spinster Annie Johnson of 3, Brook’s Yard, Ossett. By this time Noah was working as a mill hand. The couple appear not to have had any children. Noah Talbot died in the Lower Agbrigg Registration district in late 1958, aged 65.
The local press had this report of Noah Talbot’s Military Medal award:
“Military Medal For Gallant Ossett Soldier – Private Noah Talbot, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, whose home is at 16, Junction-lane, Ossett, has been awarded the Military Medal for great bravery on the field of battle. The official intimation from the soldier’s corps commander states that it was awarded for ‘great personal bravery during operations at xxxxxx on October 20th, 1916. This man was a No. 1 Lewis gunner, and seeing a party of the enemy making towards his platoon he at once trained his Lewis gun on to them, completely disorganising their resistance. he then himself led the charge into them, taking several prisoners and one machine gun. A very gallant soldier’. Private Talbot who is 25 years of age, has been in the army for three years, and previously worked for Messrs. A. Metcalfe and Co. Ltd. Since leaving home he has lost his father and sister to death.” 1
References:
1. “Ossett Observer”
