L/Corporal in NZMC, file number 3/1752. Son of the late John Ball Bailey and Mona Bailey, of Dunedin, New Zealand

Mr and Mrs W. J. Smith, of Palmerston, have received intimation of the death at the front of their nepnew, Private Joseph Bailey, of Auckland. When the call was made for musicians for the Awapuni Camp, nearly twelve months ago, Private Bailey, with a number of fellow Auckianders, was the first to volunteer, and with musicians from other portions of the Dominion son established a first-class orchestra. Private Bailey, who was a fine cornetist, was appointed conductor, and the orchestra gave many enjoyable concerts both at Awapuni and in Palmerston, and incidentally assisted in raising large sums for patriotic purposes. The orchestra accompanied Colonel Hardie Neil and the late Major Martin's No. % Field Ambulance to the front in February last, and Private Bailey, in addition to his musical duties, had since then acted as stretcher bearer. Source: Manawatu Times (2 October 1916, p. 5).

Lance-corporal Joseph Bailey, killed in action in France on September 16, was well known in Dunedin musical circles. For many years he was the leading cornetist in the orchestras engaged at His Majesty's Theatre, and was also no mean player on the clarinet and the violin. Ho was also a prominent member of the Citizens' Band. The deceased soldier lived ai Arrowtown and Gore before coming to Domed in, where ho was employed for some time with the firm of Messrs Bailey and Milbura, advertising agents. About three years ago he left for Auckland to take up a position in a picture theatre orchestra, and enlisted from there towards the end of last year with an ambulance company. He was also a member of tho orchestra which was formed by an Auckland doctor for the purpose of providing entertainment for the men when they were given a spell from the trenches. Source: Otago Daily Times (3 October 1916, p. 10).

Sources

1. Cenotaph: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/...
2. New Zealand and World War One Roll of Honour: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~sooty/genealogy/nzefrohBa.html / Ref 2.4.2021
3. Manawatu Times (2 October 1916, p. 5).
4. Otago Daily Times (3 October 1916, p. 10).