Biography:
Joseph Frederick Mead was born 1 February 1892, the son of Frederick Mead of St. Albans, and elder brother of Second Lieutenant Robert John Mead (G 1909-1914), Royal Fusiliers, who fell in August 1915 (see individual entry).
He came to Winchester College from Mr. Thring's school at Brighton in September 1905 and was in G House, Sergeant's. He became Head of House and a Commoner Prefect, played for two years in Commoner VI, was President of Boat Club and twice won the Gold Medal for athletics.
Joseph left Winchester in December 1910 and was third on the list to Sandhurst and in 1912, obtained a commission in the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers: the year after he passed the flying tests and was given his aviator's certificate. He had planned to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps but this was put on hold by the outbreak of war and he eventually went to France with his battalion in August 1914.
He fell on 23 August 1914 during fighting on the Mons-Conde Canal, while helping to defend a bridge in the face of overwhelming numbers. He had been hit a few moments earlier while bringing up reinforcements. As soon as the wound had been dressed he returned to his post and was shot through the head a minute later.
Another Wykehamist, Lieutenant Everard Cecil Smith (D 1897-1903), also of 4RF, was killed in the same action and is buried in grave II.A.5 of the same cemetery.