A SPECIAL Church Service will be held in St Mary Magdalene Church, Chulmleigh, to remember George Joce, a soldier who lost his life on the very last day of World War One.

Earlier this year Chulmleigh History Society was approached by the James Garnett Foundation, an organisation dedicated to repatriating war medals belonging to service men who fought in the First World War.

George Joce’s grave in Gaza.
George Joce’s grave in Gaza. (Chulmleigh College)

As a result, the medal awarded to Pte. George Henry Joce from Upper Bycott Farm, Chulmleigh, who died on November 11, 1918, will be returned to Chulmleigh and kept in the custodianship of Chulmleigh Academy.

George Joce is buried in Haifa Cemetery in what is now Gaza.

Two of his siblings and his parents are buried in Chulmleigh Churchyard. George’s name is recorded on the War Memorial in the Square, by the church in Chulmleigh.

Holly Burls, from Chulmleigh History Society said: “The Chulmleigh and District Local History Society was approached by the James Garnett Foundation regarding the repatriation of Pte. George Joce's World War One War Medal.

“Pte. Joce's family were farmers in Chulmleigh, and his parents and two siblings are buried in Chulmleigh Churchyard.

“George's remains are in Haifa, but his name is recorded on the Chulmleigh War Memorial.

“We feel privileged to have taken part in this story and to see his medal placed in the custodianship of Chulmleigh Academy.”

George Henry Joce was a private in The 5th Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment.

He was 25 years of age when he lost his life and was part of a very well-known local farming family, who supplied much of the milk to Chulmleigh.

As a result of this special event, Chulmleigh College History Captains are using this information as a theme in this year’s remembrance commemoration at the College.

Dr Catherine McMahon, Teacher of History said: “We feel honoured to remember Pte. Joce as a school and recognise how the experience of war deeply affects families and local neighbourhoods both in this country and across the world.

“This November, our History Subject Captains will ensure Pte. Joce’s story and service during the war of 1914-1918 is communicated to all our young people through research and assemblies so that his contribution is remembered and continues to be acknowledged and commemorated.

Harry Lewis, Year 9 pupil, Bugle Player.
Harry Lewis, Year 9 pupil, Bugle Player. (Chulmleigh College)

The short service at Chulmleigh Parish Church at 2pm on Sunday, November 3, will be followed by the laying of a wreath and Year 9 pupil, Harry Lewis, will be playing the “Last Post”.

Anyone who would like to attend the event designed to mark the contribution of Pte. Joce and a generation of people who gave everything possible to guard the precious freedoms we enjoy today, would be welcomed.