Source: September 1916 K.I.A.
Family Search: Private Joseph Cunningham was born on 15 April 1883, in County Londonderry, Ireland as the son of James Cunningham and Mary Gormley. He immigrated to Canada in 1913 and lived in Ardmore, County Londonderry, Ireland in 1901. He registered for military service in 1914. In 1914, at the age of 31, his occupation is listed as labourer. He died on 15 September 1916, in Courcelette, Somme, Picardie, France, at the age of 33.
With military experience gained from 3-years in the regular forces and 9-years in the reserves 31-year-old James Cunningham enlisted with the 18th Battalion on October 29, 1914, at Windsor, Ontario. He listed his trade as labourer.
After training at London, Ontario, he, with the 18th Battalion went overseas and trained at West Sandling from May 1915 until the Battalion embarked for Europe on September 15, 1915.
He served with the Battalion until he was invalided for medical treatment in Frnace from May 1 to June 28, 1916. Recovered from his illness, he served with the 18th until his death due to enemy action on September 15, 1916.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 