The following obituary was published in the Malvern News 28/8/15: “The death is reported of Sgt Joseph Farley, Worc Yeo of enteric fever in an Alexandria hospital on 13/8/15. He was a Malvern resident and businessman for many years. He usually enjoyed the best of health.
He joined the Worcestershire Regiment at an early age and served with the regiment for 8 years, he subsequently joined the Queens Own Worcestershire Hussars, and served an impressive 28 years with the Malvern Squadron. Prior to his departure to Egypt he went on a short leave to Great Malvern; and only 8 days ago his wife received a cheery letter from him.
In private life, Joseph Farley was a genial man, and at convivial gatherings was the best of company. He was a talented banjoist and with his brother Mr Jack Farley often performed as “The Farley Brothers” at smoking concerts at Malvern. At the annual ball of the Yeomanry at the Assembly Rooms he was a prominent figure, being a member of the Committee and MC.
He has six brothers serving with the forces. Mr Fred Farley is a Lieutenant in the Artillery Brigade and has been in the thick of the fighting, but so far is unscathed. Jack Morris Farley, who emigrated to Australia [who enlisted on the 23/1/17 in Brisbane and served overseas with the 13th Australian General Hospital], is serving with the AIF. Sgt Farley, 49 leaves a widow on Lower Newtown and 7 children; three under 14 and the youngest aged 6.”
Sgt Farley served in the South African War, with the 16th Company (Worcestershire Yeomanry) Imperial Yeomanry from 8th February to the 21st August 1900. He was present at actions around Lindley, Heilbrow, Rhenoslew and Roodevaal and was awarded the Queens South Africa medal with two bars.
In 1914 he is listed as a greengrocer living at Durham Cottage, back of Worcester Road (modern day Lygon Bank near the Nag’s Head). Jack Morris Farley returned to Australia on the 29th July 1919.
Imperial Yeomanry Service Papers PRO: WO 128/25
Soldiers Papers: National Archives of Australia
Stevens Annual for 1914 Malvern 1914
Malvern News 28/8/15
