Joseph Cuthbertson was born on the 27th March 1886 at Ballintaggart near Macosquin, Co Londonderry to James Cuthbertson and Mary Jane Hunter and attended school locally.
After going to work in Glasgow, Scotland, Joseph was married on the 30th December 1908 to Maggie Leslie at Castledawson, Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He was appointed by Durham County Constabulary on 11th October 1910 as PC 777, 3rd class constable. He was 5 ft 9 inches tall. In December 1910 Joseph was recruited to Stockton. He was promoted on 1st March 1911 to a 2nd class PC, and again on 1st October 1912 to a 1st class PC. During September 1913 he was stationed at Bishopton.
On 8th September 1915 Joseph resigned to join HMF and enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps at Stockton, joining 112th Field Ambulance (No. 64711). He gave his home address as Woodview House, Leitrim, Castledawson which was his wife's address when she was married.
On the 18th December 1915 he embarked at Southampton and disembarked at Le Havre, France on 19th. On 7th June 1916, Joseph was admitted into hospital suffering from diabetes, the result of exposure on active service. He returned to England on the 16th June to 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge. Joseph was discharged on the 17th July because of his illness, (Diabetes Mellitus), and was issued a SWB, number 65422 - on SWB list RAMC 16.
Joseph died at his mothers home, 28 Park Street, Coleraine, Co Londonderry in the presence of his wife. The cause of death recorded on his death certificate which was issued on 1st December 1916 is diabetes mellitus.
The funeral took place at the Englishtown Presbyterian Church conducted by Reverend J.W.Freeman. His grave is marked only by a metal plate, with no CWGC headstone.
He is remembered on the war memorial in the town centre in Coleraine , Co Londonderry.
Joseph is my Great Uncle.
Lest We Forget.
