Joseph was born in Barnsley, in 1896. 

He enlisted in the Army in September 1914, and was posted abroad in September 1915. He was killed in September 1916, as a Lance Corporal in the 10th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI). 
Joseph was alwarded the Victory, British and 15 Star medals after his death, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. 

 Joseph's elder brother Ernest was also serving in the war in the Royal Warwicks, and had also served with the Royal Engineers in the Canadian Engineers. Joseph's younger brother was discharged following 11months service in KOYLI, on medical grounds.