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Joseph Patton, travels in Nigeria: Official Records (1914-1930)

From his pension records, we know that on 6 May 1914, Joseph joined the Nigerian Railway Open Lines as a European Guardsman. This meant that Joseph left a pregnant Catherine on [DATE] to travel to Nigeria, and missed the birth of his last daughter, Kay.

He carried out this role until he was promoted to Station Master in 1919. In 1927 he became a Traffic Inspector, a role he continued until his retirement in May 1930, at the age of 52. During this time, Joseph travelled between Nigeria and Scotland on a regular basis.

Image of Joseph Patton: West African Pensions Form page 1 showing that Joseph served the roles of European Guard, Station Master and Traffic Inspector.
Image of Joseph Patton: West African Pensions Form pages 2 and 3 showing that Joseph served from 6 May 1914 to 2 September 1930 (16 years, 3 months and 28 days), and that he took a gratuity of £620 followed by an annual pension of £201 and 10 shillings.

During this time, he also served in the First World War as a Transport Sergeant in the 3rd Nigeria Regiment, before returning to his role on the railways.

Photo of a British Army World War 1 index card showing that Joseph Patton service in the 3rd Nigeria Regiment as a Transport Sergeant and was entitled to the Victory Medal having served in the East Africa, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia “Theatre of War”.
Letter to Joseph Patton from the Overseas Pensioners’ Association dated 14 April 1966 complimenting Joseph on his handwriting at the age of 88.
Letter to Joseph Patton from the Overseas Pensioners’ Association dated 14 April 1966

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