Joe joined the Royal Navy on 6th January 1902, his 18th birthday on a 12
year service enlistment at HMS St. Vincent, Portsmouth. However, he
bought himself out and moved to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 11th June
1908. He was recalled on 2 August 1914, serving throughout WW1 and was
discharged on 28 March 1918, being excempt from further service. On
discharge he was an acting Petty Officer.
His record on joining, says he was five feet seven and a half, with
brown hair, blue eyes and a tattoo on his right arm.
