From army records completed after his death, we know that Joseph was born in Chester. The 1911 census records him aged 17yrs living and working as a farm worker for Mr George Ingman, a farmer at Ddau Gae Farm, Treuddyn. On 15th January 1918 he married Margaret Elizabeth Williams at the Presbyterian Chapel in Hawarden. She was a spinster with two children Mary Gwladys born 12.11.1913 and John Glynne born 24.6.1916.  They lived at Preswylfa in Treuddyn.
He had joined the army in November 1917 and was listed as a Silica worker at that time. He was described as having black hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion.
He was admitted to hospital in Chester on the 10th March 1919 suffering from influenza and broncho-pneumonia. There is a medical case sheet in his records which details the sad and rapid decline in his health. It includes the words ‘he lies apathetic and pale, making no effort’ (15th March) and very pale, breathing more rapid, sputum like prune juice. Unconscious most of day (18th March) and finally Died at 2.30am 19th March. It says at the bottom of the form that ‘The next of kin was informed of the serious illness of this man on the 11.3.19 and were with him at the time of death. His wife later signed for his possessions. The list is not all legible but we can make out  purse, cap badge, cigarette case, cigarette holder, registration cards and 3 shillings and 10 1/2 pence in cash.

Eight months after her husband’s death Margaret Bradshaw gave birth to a third child. Muriel was born on the 13th November 1919.

There is a card for Joseph in the Flintshire Roll of Honour. It says he served 1 year and 3 months and states his address, rank, regiment and number. It is signed by a Mary E Bradshaw.

We have not found any other details about his army service.

Joseph’s War Grave certificate tells us that his wife remarried after his death and she became Mrs Edwards