Joseph Leadbitter, extreme right middle row

Joseph Leadbitter was born 1877 in Blackhill, Co. Durham. He was the son of Joseph and Amelia Leadbitter.

1891 census Joseph was 14 and working as a general labourer in the ironworks.

1901 Joseph was living with his wife at his in-laws, William and Dianah Skelton in Consett.

1911 William had been married 11 years and had 2 children, William, age 8 and Joseph, age 2. Joseph was working as a steel smelter.

July 4, 1908 Joseph rejoined the Territorial Army, Private 677, 6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was 31 years, 3 months old. He lived at 54, Edith Street, Consett. He had previously served in the 2nd D.B. Durham Light Infantry from February 2, 1904 to March 31, 1908.

Joseph trained annually from 1908. He was embodied August 5, 1914. Joseph arrived at Boulogne April 19, 1915.

October 21, 1916 Joseph was released for munition work at Consett Iron Company.

March 10, 1917 Joseph was discharged on health grounds. He was 40 years and 3 months old. Joseph was 5' 5" tall, sallow complexion, and he had brown eyes and black hair.

Joseph Leadbitter is the grandfather of Edmund Leadbitter of Aycliffe.