Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas and Catherine Eaton. The War Diary for today records. BEUVRY. Owing to impending trench relief on the 26th December 1917 it was decided to hold Christmas festivities on the 24th December 1917. During the morning Commanding Officer and Adjutant accompanied by Brigade Major visited the Divisional Training Battn to see work done there, this due to complaints made by Commanding Officer about drafts. Weather very cold and wandering about looking at musketry far from pleasant. At 12.00 noon men had Christmas dinners by Coy’s. Pork, apples, plum pudding and beer were plentiful and all enjoyed themselves. Sergeants had dinner at 6.00pm and officers Christmas dinners at 7.30pm. All quiet by 9.30pm. 2nd Lt. MANDY went on leave.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday January 25th, 1918.

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Official news has been received that Lance-Corporal Joseph Eaton, of the Leicesters, was killed in action on the Western Front on December 24th, a few days before his 20th birthday. He has been wounded three times previously. Before enlisting, he worked at the Ibstock Colliery and lodged with his brother, Mr John William Eaton, formerly of 11, Margaret Street, Coalville and now of Fox Terrace, Thringstone. His father, Mr Thomas Eaton, who is a collier at the Snibston pit, resides at Charnwood Street, Coalville. Deceased’s brother and sister-in-law received a letter from him dated only the day before he was killed, stating that he was well, and wishing them a Happy Christmas.

Coalville Times article - Friday December 20th, 1918

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Lance-Corporal J. Eaton, of Margaret Street, Coalville, who was killed at Epehy of Gomcaucourt, December 24th, 1917. Aged 19.

From his loving Father, Mother and Brothers

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from Coalville Times) by Andy Murby. 6/1/2018