Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He frequently laid and repaired telephone wires under very heavy fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917
 

Croix de Guerre (France)

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

Bombardier Joe Lee, D.C.M., prior to enlisting for active service in July, 1915, was a leading member of the Colac branch H.A.C.B.S., and a very practical Catholic young man. He has spen a lot of active service, and the news that he has been decorated with the D.C.M. on the field of honour has been received with feelings of delight by
his many friends. He is a son of Mrs. M. Lee, 'Innisfail,' Werribee.

Obituary
JOSEPH LEE.
Widespread regret was apparent in Werribee durinig the past week-end, when it was learned that Mr. Joseph Lee, a former well known and highly respected resident of the district, had passed away on Saturday. He had been an inmate of the Caulfield Military Hospital for the past five weeks, but was unwell for some time prior to his entry. The illness was accentuated through the effects of the war.
The late Mr. Lee was born at Trentham 37 years ago and was the second son of Margaret and the late Michael Francis Lee, Werribee. He served with the Australian Imperial Forces in the Great War for five years, and returned home as a sergeant. For feats of bravery he was awarded the D.C.M. and the Croix de Guierre. Three years later he married Mary, daugnter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Michael Sheedy, of Colac. The deceased was a prominent member of the Werribee football team about ten years ago and with his brothers was a big factor in local successes. In 1924 he transferred his activities to 
Terang, where he engaged in his occupation as a carpenter until ill-health intervened. At that centre he was held in the highest esteem.
Left to mourn their loss are the widow, and two children, Barbara and Adrian. Mr. Lee was a brother of Mrs. D. Phelan,. Mrs. A. Ashby,
Michael, Elizabeth, John, Francis and Phillip, all of whom are widely known throughout the Werribee district. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon when a particularly large number of mourners followed the remains to their last resting place in the Werribee cemetery. The coffin was borne to the grave by Messrs. Michael, John. Francis, and Philip Lee. while the pall was supported by Messrs. M. Shanahan, M. Cunning ham, M. O'Connor, J. Lee, L. Beasley, D. Phelan. N. Carr and B. Cole. The prayers at the graveside were recited by Rev. Fr. W. Walsh, P.P. Wreaths were received from Terang and District Returned Soldiers, Terang Football Club. Mr. Carr and Son, and the employees of Carr and Son.