Joseph was killed in a flying accident at Tadcaster. His body was brought home and buried with full military honours in the family grave. The coffin, draped with a Union Jack, was brough to the Cemetery on a gun carriage, pulled by four horses. Shots were later fired over the grave. The service was attended by his four sisters and one of his two brothers (the other was on active service).

He was the son of the late James and Mary Arnold and the family home was at “Batavia”, Hooley Range, Heaton Moor. In September 1914, Joseph had enlisted into the army and was quickly commissioned as an officer with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and saw active service overseas with the Regiment. At some point, he volunteered to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps (which became the RAF on 1 April 1918). He is believed to have flown in combat and may have been returned to the UK to act as an instructor.