Joshua Puffett was born in Woodford in 1888, to parents Charles and Ann Puffett. His father, Charles, was a fish hawker (probably running a fish market stall). Joshua’s family moved around in the first few years of Joshua’s life; in 1891, they were living in Wanstead and by 1901, thirteen year old Joshua was living at 33 Oxford Terrace, Chigwell Road, Woodford.
In 1908, Joshua Puffett enlisted in the Army with the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, and was posted to India. He is recorded as being in India with his regiment during the 1911 census. At this time his home was recorded as 24 Oxford Terrace, South Woodford.
The 1911 Census shows him in India, serving in the North West Frontier area, and 1 Battalion remained there during the First World War. On 16th September 1916 he was admitted to hospital suffering from Malaria, but on 23rd September 1916 he underwent an operation for an appendicitis. Unfortunately he died from the effects of this condition on 26th September 1916.
His grave, with the others in Nowshera Military Cemetery is one which the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has ceased to maintain, so he is formally remembered on the Delhi Memorial.
Research by Adrian Lee and Redbridge Museum
Sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Ancestry.com