Joseph Simpson Mckenzie's Story.
Birkenhead News 15 September 1915ROCK FERRY LIEUTENANT KILLED.
Soldier and Litterateur.
We learn with much regret that Lieut J.S.M. Tombs, of Rock Lane East, Rock Ferry, and who was attached to the Royal Field Artillery, has been killed in France. Lieut. Tombs first enlisted in the Liverpool Scottish as a private within a week of the outbreak of war. He was in the trenches during the early part of last winter, and getting frost bitten he came home to regain the use of his legs. As soon as he became well he received a commission in the Royal Field Artillery, and after months of training went to the front a few weeks ago. He was wounded on September 7th, and died from the effects of his wounds on the 11th.
Lieut. Tombs received his education at Loretto School under one of the most distinguished headmasters of the day, the Rev. Dr. Hely-Almond. He was a marked litterateur, and was a regular contributor to “Punch.” He was a member of the literary staff of the “Liverpool Daily Post,” and from time to time very fine dramatic criticisms appeared from his pen.