Valentine Strudwick

Valentine Joseph Strudwick (14 February 1900 – 14 January 1916), also known as Joe Strudwick or Valentine Joe Strudwick, was a British soldier who was killed in the First World War. He enlisted when he was 14 years old and was one of the youngest soldiers to die in the war, aged 15.

Biography Early life Strudwick was born in Dorking on Valentine's Day 1900 to laundress Louisa Strudwick and gardener Jesse Strudwick, receiving his name from the holiday. He lived with his parents and five siblings in Orchard Road.

Military service In January 1915, aged 14, Strudwick enlisted in the army to serve in the First World War, falsely claiming to be 18. Efn|Strudwick's father claimed his son enlisted in October 1914. He was buried at Essex Farm Cemetery.