Joseph Hill was born in Harpurhey, an area of Manchester, Lancashire c1874, the son of Henry and Mary Hill.

On his Attestation Papers of the 8th September 1914 he stated he had previously served with the Sherwood Foresters. He signed up with the 1st Battalion Notts and Derbyshire Regiment at a recruitment centre in Derby. His height was 5’-7 ¾”, weight 144lbs, girth 37”, eyes blue and hair dark brown. He declared his age to be 40. His religion was C of E.

Joseph entered into the theatre of war on the 11th December 1914 and was killed in action on 22nd December 1914. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France.

According to his Commonwealth War Graves Certificate, his parents lived at 118 Pear Tree Street, Pear Tree, Derby.