Joseph Hart Downs was born on 16 December 1912 in Bolton, Lancashire to Arthur Henry Downs and Jessie Maud Mary Hildersley. He was employed as a pharmacy assistant prior to enlisting and married Alice Rimmer in 1940. Joseph served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as an Flying Officer in WW2, service no. 150031 and died on 19 October 1943 in Southport, Lancashire, England. He was buried on 23 October 1943 in St. John’s Churchyard, Crossens, Southport.