Joseph Cavenay was born on 26th February 1918 in Bolton, Lancashire to John Cavenay, an “Iron Roller” at a local foundry, and Alice Hannah Cave. In 1922 he is listed as living at 18 Venture Street, Bolton with his parents and sisters, Alice and Edna, step-sister Violet and two older brothers, John and James.

Joseph joined the Royal Artillery in 1935 and was assigned Service Number 852611. In 1936 he married Caroline Hart with whom he had two sons, John Joseph Cavenay (born 1936) and Robert Keith Cavenay (born 1938).

Joseph appears to have made it through the war without any serious harm or injury as he does not appear in any of the “Wounded” lists.

Following the war, Joseph married Margaret Ann Cummings with whom they had a son. He also enlisted in the Territorial Army on 12th May 1947.

A good soldier, Joseph received a “Long Service Good Conduct” on 30th June 1945, and a second medal in 1964.

Tragically, Joseph died on 15th March 1964 in a car crash near Scotch Corner while on leave.