Joe (Joseph) Burke, RASC, PoW, died 10 January 2018, aged 98. The following notice was sent to us by Joe’s son.

Unclassified Report – For general circulation

Joseph Patrick Burke, Pte 134496. reported in dispatches from the far North as having successfully escaped to a better place on Tuesday 10th January 2018. Whilst his departure appeared to have been unplanned, and despite increased close personal observation, Pte. Burke was able to slip away quietly and peacefully at 0200 hours GMT. 3 Now believed to be happily reunited at an undisclosed location with his commanding officer and lifelong companion, code name Betty. Final debrief and remembrance planned for 1st February 2018 – further details to be announced. END

Joe was a great character. Generous, good company, wonderful sense of humour. He joined us in Kalamata a couple of times and Lichfield on several occasions. He never failed to make us laugh. Another man we feel very privileged to have known.