WW1 soldier’s medal returns home

Private George Joce from Chulmleigh was 25 years old when he lost his life on the last day of World War 1, November 11th 1918. Now, 106 years later, his medal is being returned to his home town and will be looked after by Chulmleigh Academy.

George is buried in Haifa Cemetery, and came from a well-known local farming family. Two of his siblings and his parents are buried in Chulmleigh Churchyard and his name is recorded on the War Memorial in The Square.

Holly Burls from Chulmleigh History Society said, “We were approached by the James Garnett Foundation about repatriating Pte. George Joce’s WW1 War Medal. We feel privileged to have taken part in this story and see his medal placed in the custodianship of Chulmleigh Academy.”

History teacher Dr Catherine McMahon added, “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.”