Joseph enlisted May 1916 in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was married to Theresa Florence Burgoyne and had two children.

He was a gunner in the 267 Seige Battery, reg. no. 86349. 31st March 1917 he was deprived of 2 days pay for being 5 minutes late on parade.

He was wounded twice: 12/10/17 gun shot wound and 25/11/17 shrapnel wound.