Joseph McCullough was born in Belfast in about 1889, the third son of William McCullough, a builder, and his wife Isabella.
When WWI broke out Joseph was living in the family home in Hill Street in Orange, and working as a labourer. He enlisted in November 1914 and embarked from Sydney in February the following year. Joseph served as a private in the 13th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements in Gallipoli.
Private McCullough was officially reported missing in action on 2 June 1915; his mother was not advised of this until 16 August 1915, over two months later. A Court of Inquiry held in April 1916 revised his status to “Killed in action on 3 May 1915”. Joseph has no known grave. He is copmmemorated on Panel 38 of Memorial Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey.
Joseph was the 10th person from Orange to die in WWI; he died the same day as William Daniel McCarthy.
The following tribute appeared on p. 6 of the Sydney Morning Herald on 1 June 1916. It was inserted by W and K McCullough.
He once was dead, the very same
Who made the worlds, a work of power,
Who now upholds the mighty frame,
And keeps it till the final hour.
