Born in Concongella, Stawell, Victoria and a Clerk in Holy Orders, Joseph Best was 36 years and married when enlisted on the 25th of March 1916 in the Chaplains' Corps, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Chaplain (4th Class). Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on the 27th of May 1916. On the 1st of March 1918 to be 3rd class Chaplain temporarily without any additional pay or allowance and on the 18th of June posted to 4th Light Horse Brigade from England, AIF. Promoted Chaplain (Honorary 4th Class) on the 1st of March 1916, Chaplain 4th Class 1st of July 1921, 3rd Class 24th of May 1928, 2nd Class 24th of May 1933. His active service was in the Great War from 1914-1918 as Chaplain. On the 30th of June was admitted to the 2nd ANZAC Official Resting Hospital debility, France. And was listed as returned to Australia on the 27th of January 1919. Embarked at Suez per H.T. 'City of York' on the 27th of January 1919 for return to Australia and on the 6th of April 1919 appointment terminated from the 3rd Military District.