Joe was born in Halifax probably in 1897 and when called up in November 1915, he was living at 17, Union St. He was single and worked as a dyer. By then, the Derby Scheme had come in to effect - soldiers had to be at least 5ft 3in (160cm), be 18yrs, or 19yrs to be sent abroad, and no older than 40yrs. He joined the 4th Manchester Regiment and was on home soil undergoing training until April, 1916. From there he was posted to Malta, where he lost his Lance Corporal status after several misdemeanours, including breaking out of camp, fighting, and not complying with orders. From July 1917, he was posted to France. It is likely he was with the Royal Engineers working as a Sapper. In Dec, 1918, he was injured and subsequently was given a disability pension. He received the War Medal and the Victory Medal. On his return to England, he ran the Town Hall Tavern.
Heritage Number 453. Signed from Halifax District. Debut v Halifax. Made 9 appearances - 8 in 1915/16 season: 1 in 1917/18 season. Played at wing or centre.
