Born Hull, 1899. Second son of William Cummings (1860-1926) and Annie Dawson (1862-1932), of 3 Danesbury Avenue, Arundel Street, Hull (1911 Census) and 16 Portland Place, Courtney Street, Hull (Pension Address). Son of a Dock Labourer. He had an elder brother, Albert. His uncle, Private, John Dawson, 2442, 2nd EYR, lived at 1 Scarborough Terrace, Barnsley Street, Hull.
Joseph worked in the Oil Mills. He enlisted in Hull underage, on 12/06/1915, claiming to be aged 19 and 2 months. Described as 5 foot, 8 inches tall, 33-35 inch chest, 147 lbs weight, “A1” Medical Category, brown eyes, dark brown hair. Served as Private, 10191, Durham Light Infantry. Served at Gallipoli (28/09/1915), Egypt (01/12/1915) and France (02/07/1916). Wounded by gun shot, to the left arm and hand, on 29/08/1916. Invalided to Maidstone Military Hospital, Kent. Returned to France, on 03/07/1918. Discharged from the army on 22/02/1919 (30% Disability) and living at 23 Spittle Street, The Groves, Hull. Re-enlisted and served as Private 21616, York & Lancaster Regiment. Died of the effects of war, on 01/12/1920, aged 21.
His elder brother, Albert Cummings (1892-1963), worked on the sloops in Hull, before enlisted on 14/08/1911. He served as Gunner, 66909, 4th Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, in France and Italy. He was wounded on 11/03/1915. Invalided to Liverpool Military Hospital. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal
