233578 Sgt. Joseph C. Loveridge British Army 14th Btn. Royal Hampshire Regiment from:High Street, Winchester Joseph Loveridge was my great grandfather who fought in France between 1916 and 1918.
He survived the war but suffered greatly as a consequence. Before his involvement in the Great War he was a successful confectioner and owned a cafe and chocolate shop at the top of Winchester High Street. On returning from France in early 1918 after the 14th Btn. were disbanded his circumstances were very different. His business was collapsing due to the recession and I suspect PTSS had taken a strong hold. Sadly on 8th July 1922 he committed suicide. None of our family knew what he had experienced and I do not think he spoke about it to anyone. I am glad we started researching his life three years ago and last year traveled to France and back to Winchester to remember him and all he did to give us our freedom today.
Thank you Joseph.
RIP
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