Joseph (Joe) M. Mayne was born on 9th June 1897 in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, son of Henry and Catherine Mayne. 1911 census the family were living in Newcastle Row, Framwellgate Moor.

Following education at St Godric’s, Durham, he went to work in the mines.

On 10th August 1914, within a week of the declaration of war, he enlisted in the R.H.& R.F.A. and was given the Regimental Number of 82282. Joseph was 18 years 2 months old. September 11, 1914 he was posted to the 161 Battalion.

Originally listed as a Driver, he was later promoted to Gunner, 412 Battery August 20, 1917, and finally Signaller.  Details of the locations where his Units were engaged appear from correspondence to his parents that Belgium, France and Mesopotamia (now part of Iraq) were some of the countries where Joe saw service

. While in France his sister had written to say that Joseph had not had any leave since being in France. This letter was received July 26, 1916. Joseph served in France May 10, 1915 to May 2, 1917. He was home May 2, 1917 to September 27, 1917. Joseph was then in Egypt September 28 to January 1, 1919. He was then on board a ship January 29, 1919 to February 24, 1919, then home February 251919 to March 31, 1920.

Following his Transfer to Army Reserve on 10th April 1919, Joe returned to civilian life, working as a Coal Hewer at Kimblesworth Colliery and Cocken Drift among other pits.

During the Second World War, on 1st May 1941 aged almost 44 years, Joe volunteered for service with the Royal Navy and was assigned to Minesweepers. Originally ranked as an Ord/ Seaman (CMF), later A.B (W.K.) and from November 1943 became Wireman (C/M). During his service he appears to have been based for some time in Rosyth Fyfe, at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys, and at Aultbea, Loch Ewe in North West Scotland.  His service record shows also that he ventured as far as Gambia, West Africa (Bathurst).  On 28th June 1944 Joe was “Transferred to Reserve” for the second time.

Postcard sent July 19, 1915

Postcard with letter inside to his brother Edmund

Christmas Card 1916

Christmas Card 1917

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New Recruits Training at Aldershot

Returning to the Pits, Joe continued his life both as a Coal Hewer and active Trade Unionist.  Later he transferred to Beamish colliery, where he became Secretary of Beamish Air Lodge, was appointed to the post of Check Weighman, and was honoured by having a road to the mine named after him (Maynes Way). 

Joe was an avid debater, had scores of letters published in the local press, notably the Northern Echo, was active in local government and served for a time in the 1950s on Durham Rural District Council.
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On his retirement on 11th November 1961, among many tokens of appreciation was a clock presented by Beamish Air lodge “In appreciation of services rendered”.

Joe Mayne died on 19th December 1968 and is buried with his wife, Anne, in Meadowfield Cemetery.  Within a few feet of his grave lie those of his two sons, Joseph and Raymond, and that of one of his three brothers, Edmund.

Joseph Mayne is the grandfather of Terry Barron of Newton Aycliffe