Joseph enlisted on 23rd November 1916. He was 17 years and 11 months old; was a Chemist by trade, and was living at 93 Main Street, Cockermouth at the time. He was placed on Army Reserve and then mobilized on 6th February 1918. He joined at Heaton Park, then on the 25th went to the R.A.M.C. 3rd Training Battalion at Blackpool. He registered as a Dispenser. On 11th December 1918, Joseph was admitted into hospital suffering from Blepharitis and remained there until 14th January 1919. He was the son of Robert and Mary Bowes of 93 Main Street, Cockermouth.