Joseph enlisted into the Medical Staff Corps in February 1887. He first served in Gibraltar, then saw active service with the Ashanti Expedition (receiving the Ashanti Star 1895-1896); in operations in the Sudan (receiving the Queen’s Sudan Medal 1899-1902); in South Africa (receiving the Queen’s Medal & 5 clasps and the King’s Medal & 2 clasps). He gained a commissioned at the rank of Quartermaster & Hon. Lieutenant in November 1913. Joseph reported his arrival to the 1st Field Ambulance at 2 p.m. on 5th August 1914, then entered the war in France on 18th. After being granted the rank of temporary Quartermaster & Major in July 1916, he was sent back to the UK. He returned to France in the September as the commanding officer of an Advanced Depot of Medical Stores. In July 1917 he was promoted to the rank of Quartermaster and Captain. After the war he served with the British Army of the Rhine. Having attained the age limit for retirement, he was granted the rank of Quartermaster and Major and retired on 25th February 1924.