Joseph Thomas Bell joined Westoe Secondary School in August, 1909, at the age of 14., after attending Laygate school.

His father was Cumberland-born painter and foreman (and later, paint agent) Joseph Bell; his mother was Alice Bell.

On leaving the school, in March 1911, Joseph became a clerk in the saw mills.

He served as a Private with the 1st/7th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, although it isn't known when he signed up.

Joseph was killed in action at the age of 20, and is remembered on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, a memorial to those whose bodies were never found.