Sapper Joshua Mitchell died on 27th November 1916, he was the first Ossett soldier from World War One to be buried with full military honours. Relative David Mitchell found this original report of Joshua’s death from an old edition of The Ossett Observer....

WELL-KNOWN OSSETT SOLDIER'S DEATH IN HOSPITAL
MILITARY FUNERAL YESTERDAY

Sapper Joshua Mitchell, of the Royal Engineers, youngest son of Mr. Arthur Mitchell of Church Street, Ossett, on Monday evening died at a military hospital in Halifax, from wounds received on the battlefield on November 4th.
The deceased, who was nearing his twenty-first birthday, enlisted at the beginning of the year. He was formerly employed by his brother as a plumber. He was a regular attender at Holy Trinity Parish Church. It was about five months since he went out to the front.

Following an engagement on the date stated, Sapper Mitchell was admitted to hospital with a severe wound in the side of the head, his skull being fractured. Today fortnight he was brought to St. Luke's Hospital in Halifax, where his relatives have visited him.Though his condition has been critical from the first, he has at times been able to converse with his visitors.

On Saturday his parents received a telegram, stating the young soldier's condition was worse. His strength gradually failed and he died on Monday evening. The funeral took place yesterday (Friday) afternoon, with full military honours, at the Wesleyan burial ground, South Ossett. It was preceded by service at Holy Trinity Parish Church, the Revs. R.E. Burlingham, vicar and C.E. Salisbury, curate, officiating. A large number of persons witnessed the funeral. The funeral cortege comprised, besides relatives, about sixty soldiers from the military depot at Pontefract, including a firing party and a brass and reed band.

On the way from the deceased's home to church, the band played appropriate music. At the conclusion of the burial service at the graveside the soldiers fired three volleys over the grave, and a bugler sounded the "Last Post" - the highest tribute to a departed soldier.